Are You an Iconoclast?
Hey Everybody…
I haven’t posted as often over the last few days because I just cruised in to town from a whirlwind trip to AZ. Saw a ton of friends, but it was few days of absolute craziness!
While I was down there, I had the privilege of hanging out with a good buddy who is the ultimate iconoclast.
If you have no idea what the heck that term means, don’t worry. I didn’t either until I read a book called Iconoclast. It is by Dr. Gregory Berns. Definitely suggest you get a copy right away.
Anyway, an iconoclast is defined as: “a person who does something that others say can’t be done.” And my buddy down in AZ is the perfect example.
He is the guy who believes a feat is possible when 98% of people say “no way”. The kind of guy that goes hunting for Moby Dick in a rowboat with nothing more than a butter knife!
His name is Don Cardon and I’m introducing him to you because his story teaches a powerful lesson in determination and diligence.
His current credentials are impressive, but they came at the cost of putting his reputation on the line to see a dream become reality. You see, Don Cardon (or DJ, as I call him) is solely responsible for the largest commercial development project in the history of Phoenix.
He started with nothing more than a vision… a vision of something that had never been done before in the local development community. He wanted to put Phoenix on the map as an economic powerhouse. For years he strategized… dreamed… and planned.
It resulted in the most expensive, elaborate, and detailed commercial development project in the history of Phoenix. It garnered him national attention and notoriety…
Here is a picture of DJ and I downtown by the first of two tours being built.
However, he definitely had his share of setbacks. He cycled through at least 4 different financial partners, including some of the biggest names in development. A minor roadblock to say the least. There were many doubters who grew skeptical about his ability to execute and complete the project. But DJ isn’t one to quit. He found a way. He never let the momentary setbacks stop him from pursuing his dream.You could consider him the Ultimate Optimist.
Because of his accomplishments, the Governor of Arizona recently appointed him Director of Commerce for the state of Arizona… read his bio here: http://budurl.com/ju66
As you will find out when you read Iconoclast, accomplishing great things has nothing to do with what is possible, and everything to do with what you believe is possible.
My buddy Don Cardon saw a dream and believed it was possible to achieve it. It required an incredible amount of dedication, determination, and hard work. But the outcome is incredible.
Always remember: reaching your goal always starts with the belief that achieving them is possible.
It is easy to follow the heard. Following the crowd in the name of ‘good judgment’ is safer. It takes courage to believe something different is possible. I guess that’s what it means to be an iconoclast.
Do you know an Iconoclast? Maybe you are one yourself. If so, leave a comment below and tell me about how you are choosing to think differently.
Going against the grain,
Jeffrey Ziegler
4 Responses to “Are You an Iconoclast?”
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Hey Jeff,
I’ve by no means accomplished the monumental task that Don has, but I’ll put myself out there to say that I’m at least SOMEWHAT “Iconoclastic” in that I’ve gone against the grain of what most people believe – which isn’t much – by simply taking risks for the sake of wanting a better life for my family.
I still remember my post office buddies (I was a distribution clerk for the USPS) laughing when I listened to marketing CDs while I worked, and how some would say, “you’re not going anywhere… you’ll retire from here like the rest of us”.
Long story short, I took some gambles, quit my job, almost lost our house because of it, but then found my groove in the Internet marketing world as a JV/affiliate manager.
Now, I’ve taken another leap of faith based on my belief that I can create a difference for thousands of online business owners in an area that you don’t see much going on (I’ll leave it at that so this comment doesn’t just look like a huge pitch).
Anyway, like I tell my teens, and eventually my younger boys, the first secret is believing that you can accomplish anything (believing in yourself), and the next one is that you have to just have the balls to GO FOR IT… while simultaneously surrounding yourself with encouraging people, and ignoring those who bring you down in any fashion.
So regardless of whether you’re building skyscrapers or simply pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone to create a better life for yourself or your family, you can live an amazing life by simply refusing to settle for less than what you’re truly capable of.
Take care,
Andy
Hey Andy –
Thanks for the comment. I like what you said,
“So regardless of whether you’re building skyscrapers or simply pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone to create a better life for yourself or your family, you can live an amazing life by simply refusing to settle for less than what you’re truly capable of.”
Good Stuff!
JZ
Hi Jeff,
I’ve never heard the term “iconoclast” but I believe that the substance of it is in the heart of those who do the things that really make a difference. I hope that I fall into that category. I believe, as do you and Andy, that “small” things can bring about tremendous outcomes that change the world – “the hand that rocks the cradle” kind of thing. I’ve paid somewhat of a price for living and believing “outside of the box”, but the reward has been FAR greater than any small price. There are things that if I go back and do differently I would, but none of them were the actions I took based on my “out of the box” beliefs; they all would be the things that fell into the “people pleasing” moments. God has made some fantastic promises to us that are REALLY out of the box. If we’ll believe Him more than negative people around us, we’ll live a life that will not only fulfill our wildest dreams, but we’ll be able to help others fulfill theirs. “…with God nothing shall be impossible to you”. Thanks for being a kindred spirit and being a part of helping us fulfill our fullest potential and wildest dreams! Be blessed!
In His Love
Rebecca
Jeff, Don, Andy and Rebecca,
You have all inspired me. I have worked at my job for nearly 10 years – it has been a great job – one many people say is a “dream job” with good pay and amazing travel. But good things end too and as I watch the structure of this organization literally crumble around me – I know that it is time for me to believe in myself, push beyond my comfort zone and simply refuse to settle. Have you ever felt like the preacher was talking only to you – last night sermon started with this statement – “What if the life you want is hiding in your biggest problem?” – what if indeed.
My wildest dream begins by supporting myself as a trader and donating my time to the causes that Bless my heart…
I’ve never heard the term either but my co-workers, friends and family may certainly see me as “iconoclast” when I refuse to settle for another job. “Have the balls” Andy said… well regardless of that
it’s time for me to “go for it”