Get Inspired--Life Is a Science Fair Project

 This blog, and my practice, is about inspiring and motivating people to achieve what they want to. And like most other people in my field, I like to explore the whole range of materials out there. Unfortunately, that sometimes entails having to slog through a lot of ebooks and MP3s full of feel-good fluff, angels, questionable metaphysical "rules" and pop-psychology. (Now, I do appreciate that a lot of those unorthodox approaches have really worked for some people, and I'm actually pretty open minded about these things, but I do feel compelled to approach them with a fair amount of skepticism. It's not just because I'm a snarky, cynical guy, but I feel so much of the material out there is more created to sell products to people with a real need than it is to actually fulfill those needs. While I can't guarantee results for my clients any more than anyone else can, I do feel that I have an obligation to do my best to help clients reach their goals effectively and permanently, and not just make them feel good for a while).

But I'm not just a hypnotist. I'm also a nerd. I used to experiment with transistors and integrated circuits, and used to do things like make flashing L.E.D. earrings for the girls when I was in school. How nerdy is that? I haven't picked up a soldering iron in at least a decade (and then only to rewire a lamp), but when I came across an interview with one of my techno-heros, I had to take a listen.

SURPRISE! It's one of the most inspiring interviews I've heard in a long time.

Here's an interview with a guy, Forrest Mims III, who has spent his life following his passion --science--and making a go of it. And from the sound of it, having a blast AND making the world a better place at the same time.

In case you're wondering what his credentials are, he's got a lot of them. He consults for NASA and environmental organizations, he writes for top science magazines and he created the first commonly available personal computer--The Altair Computer. If you aren't familiar with it, suffice to say that long before anyone heard of Microsoft, Bill Gates was getting his start writing software FOR the Mims' Altair.

                   "Life is a science fair project"
                                       --Forrest Mims III 

When you listen to this interview, you're going to hear the story of a very happy, fulfilled man. And a very successful man. But you won't hear him talk about wealth. Is he wealthy? I don't know. I don't think so. His greatest interests have never seemed to be about wealth, just about having enough money to have the freedom to explore his science projects, and he's done that. Now, if you're following most of the pop-philosophy out there, you'll often hear people say things like "Don't think about getting rich. Just do what you love and the wealth will come." That always bothers me. I know people who are successful in what they love. I know guys who are wealthy. Both groups are happy, but the wealthy one are not necessarily successful at doing what they love, and the ones who are successful at what they love are not necessarily wealthy. Money isn't the spiritual reward, happiness is. A metaphysical rule I can get behind is that "you stand a better chance of getting what you put your attention to." That law is verifiable and repeatable, and "verifiable and repeatable" are a scientific standard. Am I suggesting wealth and fulfillment are mutually exclusive? Not at all. You CAN have one or the other. You CAN have both. Just that you stand a better chance of getting whatever you want if you focus on exactly what you want (personally, I'll go for fulfillment and wealth). Whatever your choice, go after it with a sense of joy and humor and it'll be a worthwhile ride.

I think it's also important to mention that not only is Mims a renown scientist, but he's also a creationist. And that got him into some hot water--it got him booted off the staff of Scientific American. But a real scientist (and I'd wager to say, someone who really has faith) doesn't allow a conflict between science and belief. I couldn't imagine him allowing his beliefs interfering with his scientific ethics. Something that Scientific American seems to have failed at.

So without further ado, check out this exciting interview! (Some of it may be a bit nerdy and technical, but the stories are so much fun that you can gloss over those bits, or look 'em up later).
http://www.theamphour.com/171-an-interview-with-forrest-mims-snell-solisequious-scientist/