Vernon Foster“It has to start somewhere. It has to start sometime. What better place than here? What better time than now?”

Are you rocking yet? Those are Rage Against the Machine lyrics – something my guest for this episode, Vernon Foster, subtly incorporated into his Event Supremacy podcast – and that I definitely noticed.

When I first listened to his show, I thought:

  1. This is one funky dude (which, of course, I can appreciate).
  2. This guy knows his stuff! Maybe the SimpleREV 2014 event I'm co-organizing won't be a total train wreck with his help.
  3. Here's a fella who knows how to hustle, but in a vulnerable, authentic way.

Vernon's just a vibrant, charismatic man and I liked him from day 1 (he gets that a lot). But more importantly, he's been on an unconventional simplifying journey recently. And he's done it while still hustling – something that's not normally associated with slowing down, gratitude journals, and the typical simple living landscape.

What's his secret? He claims he doesn't have any. But I know he's got plenty-o'-experiences to share and a unique mindset. Check it:

If you're not present, then you don't have awareness. If you don't have awareness, how can you expect to go anywhere? – Vernon Foster

Press that play button now if you want it to get all coolio up in your ears.

You're about to Learn …

  • Why attachment to outcomes can hold you back from beneficial ones.
  • How Costa Rica made Vernon feel like he landed on another planet.
  • One question you can ask yourself that can change everything.
  • Why you need a game plan to go beyond “putting food on the table.”
  • How to avoid dying with your dreams stuck inside you.
  • Why you don't have to be Jean-Claude Van Damme every day.

 

 

Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode:

Topics

  • [04:14] Vernon's seeds of awesomeness
  • [08:48] The question Vernon asked that changed everything
  • [10:34] The Mexican fisherman story in real-life
  • [13:46] Vision boards and remembering that you always have a choice
  • [19:04] Vernon's progression towards slowing down and mindfulness
  • [22:02] Unconventional forms of mentorship
  • [31:19] How a yoga course revealed some inner demons
  • [34:17] The tension between hustle and slowness

Extra Gratitude and Special Mentions

ToodleLooTime … this one's for you! Thanks for the groovy iTunes review when you wrote:

“Am I gushing, Joel? Well, I really do enjoy your podcasts. Your style feels like it’s you and me just chatting. And I really do like how you have a variety of folks on the show who aren’t necessarily down the line entirely with how you think or live your life.

Yet you show each person great respect and seem truly interested in hearing their point of view. I’ll keep coming back for more. Keep up the good work!”

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