Analyzing Addiction

We live in a world where addiction is part of life. When you are addicted to something you don’t notice because everyone else around you is addicted as well. We are addicted to social media, drugs, alcohol, and many other substances. We all hear that famous saying “denial is the first step to recovery”. When you are addicted to something you are in so deep that you see nothing wrong. A part of addiction is also being close to people who share your addiction.

Some of us choose lifestyle addictions that are no good for us. We hang with people with no desire to better themselves and we become just like them. Then one day you have that come to Jesus moment and you ask yourself “what have I been doing for the last 5 years?” This is the rock bottom, the place where there are NO MORE excuses, NO MORE people to take advantage of, and NO MORE reasons to stay addicted.

Addiction is a generational curse in families as well. Growing up I saw entire families on welfare, living in section 8 housing. People actually fight to stay on government assistance. Being poor is an addiction, and your kids grow up addicted as well. In the African American community if you make an attempt to succeed you are called “Uncle Tom”…because you try to shake the addiction of being poor. Occasionally, you will run across that kid who grew up poor, but made it to college and on to a wonderful life. Then you get one of those “black kid made it out of the ghetto” stories that everyone just loves.  

There is nothing wrong with seeking help for addiction. To make your life a better one, you can start by asking for guidance from people who are where you want to be. You will be pleasantly surprised to know that people who are successful were once addicted to the same things you were. Make small choices like changing your social circles. Hang with people who don’t agree with you all the time. When you are in your mother’s basement doing nothing; someone will tell you to get off your ass and do something productive.

Remember: Slow Progress Is Better Than No Progress. Set a goal that you can measure in increments, keep track of them weekly. No one can kick an addiction overnight, if anything you almost guarantee a relapse. Keep it Slow, Simple, and you will be Satisfied. Conquer your jungle!

What Motivates You?

What motivates people? Some would say: Money, Power, Respect. This motivates some, however we want to know what REALLY motives people. What motivates you to get out of bed every day to go to a job you hate? What motivates you to stay up till 2 am to finish writing that paper for class? What motivates you to stick to that strict diet? To put as simple as possible: what motivates you to put up with all of life’s shit day after day after day?

What motivates people purely depends on the individual. A motivational speaker goes through life just like we all do; one day at a time. However, that individual found a way to spread positivity through personal experiences. I was shot in both legs in Iraq and doctors told me that I would never walk again. Nine years later I’m not only walking, I’m kicking ass in everything that I do.

Proving people wrong motivates me. In Iraq someone looked through the scope of a rifle and made a decision to end my life. That person did not succeed, and every day on Earth I am motivated to be the best person I can be. I’m here to prove that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade and ask for vodka to go along with it. I would honestly love to walk up to the person who shot me, look them in their eyes and while shaking their hand say “thank you for the motivation”.

As long as what motivates you is positive, productive, and coincides with the law you will be successful. Our saying is “Slow Progress Is Better Than No Progress”. Whatever you are motivated to do it will take time. Your patience will be tested as well as your dedication. Stay humble, stay hungry, and keep roaring!