While catching up on my Twitter status (@judymartin8) 1am on Tuesday morning I ran across a dynamic video rant from social media titan Gary Vaynerchuck (@GaryVee) on the new chapter in his life which has gotten a new infusion of work life balance. Mesmerized by his words and hilarious tone I dropped him a tweet.
He was in Australia, I was in New York and there we were on Twitter dishing on the crucial trait of “focus” in life and in business, and his model of work/work balance. I met Gary at Book Expo America last year and found him to be funny and kind. But what struck me was his incredible work/work ethic. And I mean practically 24/7. I wondered how long his crazy schedule would keep at the same pace. But it was that same pace that helped him build his empire which includes working with the Jets, Nets and Forbes Magazine. And now it’s that pace that is morphing into something new.
Gary’s book Crush It: Cashing in on Your Passion, zipped along the best seller list as he catapulted to fame on his social media status. But it took a lot of hard work. Now he seems a bit more contemplative. Was it having a baby? Or just redefining success based on a deeper purpose to have a better work life fit – while help others at the same time?
It’s worth watching the video for a dose of energetic wisdom from a guy with a humble background who has traveled the world, only to go a bit deeper as a human being. One of his inspirations, Yoda. Which reminds me of a favorite Yoda quote from Star Wars which I believe illustrates, to a degree, where Gary is coming from:
“Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.” –Yoda
Here are some of Gary’s thoughts as we approach half-time for 2010.
“Everything works when it’s in balance and I feel I have to start learning and executing. I need to read some more. I need to read the blogs… 2 or 3 hours worth of news. I need the time to play basketball.”
“I really bad at saying no. I don’t want to say no. I’m so appreciative that people give a crap…. If you don’t execute you don’t win and I feel like I’m stretched too thin that I need to cut something out.”
“I want to come through for my clients, I want to come through for my family. I’m in too many places, trying to do too much, I’m only one person . I need to get focused and fierce. I’m hungry. The only way I can do that is to get my head down.”
“I’m going to get lean mentally, I’m going to get lean business wise, I’m going to let lean physically. I don’t think I’m disappearing, in some ways I’ll be more social.”
“For me to give back quality, I need these next 9 months for sure. For sure. I’m putting my head down…I have to focus on the cake that’s in front of me, I’m trying to get too many pieces of pie.”
“I need to read and devour content, put my head down “Yoda” it up.” I’m focused and I’m ready…It’s going to be more controlled interaction. I want to be cutting edge…The fire’s here, the fire’s in me – I’m fired up!”
Gary’s agenda ….
… will be taking up some sort of exercise – eyeing racquetball
… is trimming down on the speaking circuit for 2010
… wants to start learning again by reading and getting smarter
… wants to live it and execute it
… hit home runs for clients
… wants to build businesses and Vayner Media needs his attention
… needs to write his new book “The Thank You Economy”
… needs to stop hitting triples and start hitting home runs again
… needs to know everything that’s going on, to consume it, play with it and touch it
… wants to schedule a one hour Q & A show
… needs to change things up to win
