When I first entered this project, I had a million ideas. (A million and three, to be exact.) I had my story of who I am, or who I was, where I am and where I come from, and why it was all relevant to this book. I had personal quotes from some of the greatest people in my life. I had ideas of how I could help others.

And really, any parts of my story would do. I could explain how there’s never a reason to give up, as long as you still wish something. I could advocate how there’s always more than one way to achieve that something. I could describe personal battles, I could warn of clients who ghost on invoices or of contractors who blow past deadlines. I could tell you fundamental advice, like “Be positive,” and “Stay focused.” I could remind you there’s no “I” in team— or argue that there should be.

Yet here I am, buried under the weight of this project’s final hours. Sanity status: on the fringe. Insatiably discontent with every draft, every edit, every effort to flesh-out almost any of these ideas. I could blame the problems on being busy. During the creation of this book, I moved to Central America with my dog, bought a manual car, learned to drive that car (en Español, which I do not speak). I weathered my first earthquake, sold that car, moved in with my partner back in the States, and continued to manage a company that is my sole responsibility.

Oh, yeah, and I sat through Hurricane Matthew alone with one heck of a cold while renting an Airbnb.

I’ve probably skipped a few of the best moments, like rescuing my dog from a pack of rogue iguanas, careening down the side of a volcano on a piece of plywood, or having my 1989 Suzuki break down under the moonlight of the Pan American Highway.

But you get it. Things were chaotic.

And true story, Adversity knows me well. He is not only the closest mountain; he is my greatest friend, my mentor, my confidant. He never lets me get bored, so I never run out of ideas.

So really, that’s we’re talking about here: Chaos is fun and Adversity is inspiration.

Neither are judgmental. Which is good because boy, have they witnessed some of my dumbest moments.

But this is the hallmark of an entrepreneur. While others may sense a headache, we sense an opportunity. In the headwinds of a storm, we patch together a sail and hitch a free ride. We see more, learn more, bruise more, and when the thunder is over, we know the lay of the land.

Our very evolution, that moment in which we change our perspective and refocus our lens…this is our identity. It is the fuel for our fire and the reason we thrive in an uncertain world. In this way, we identify with change, the only constant in life. It is a thought pattern and a skill.

So instead of rambling on further about myself or my life lessons, let’s work on fueling your own flames. Grab a pen and paper. This is a chance to audit yourself.

1. What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?
2. What was your last thought when you fell asleep last night?
3. What was the most recent reason you smiled?
4. Who did you communicate with the most today?
5. What did you think about the most today?
6. What would you do if you had no money?
7. What would you do if you no longer needed any money?
8. When do you feel your best?
9. Where do you feel your best?
10. How do you know what constitutes your best?

For best results, mix with red wine and write the answers that first come to mind, no matter how short or how long. Then sleep on it all and read your answers in the morning.

See how they make you feel. Live accordingly.

Buena suerte, adventurous one, and may Adversity always be with you.

http://thebrainvine.com/

Interested in reading 99 other stories just like this? Grab The Better Business book here.