In my personal credo, the Mortality Manifesto, I say "I always strive to ensure that my every thought, word and action is moving me in the direction of my dreams." In essence, that part of the Manifesto speaks about the importance of focus. We all have to be vigilant that the thoughts, words and actions don't unintentionally become the focus of our lives.
I became a professional speaker for one reason - to help other people by sharing my unique message of the Power of Mortality. It's my focus. Today, I want to share with you some of the challenges that I've faced in maintaining that focus.
There has been a great temptation to let the actual business of speaking become the main focus. I have been offered speaking engagements that would have paid enormously well, but would have required drastically changing my message. Each time I had to remind myself that delivering keynotes and workshops are simply part of the "thoughts, words and actions" and are not the dream itself. My focus isn't simply to make money, but rather to help people by sharing the exciting news about the Power of Mortality.
If you've ever worked on a marketing plan, you know how easy it is to get wrapped up in the "marketing" and lose sight of the message. Logos, tag-lines, fonts, colors, photographs, music, business cards, letterhead, websites, newsletters, search engine optimization. It all clamors for attention and can take on a life of its own, completely obscuring your original intent - which is to deliver your message. Even today, I often have to stop and remind myself that my objective isn't to have the best marketing plan ever - it's to help people by sharing the message of the Power of Mortality.
Then I decided to write a book to use as a tool to spread and share my message. What an experience! As I've told many people, writing a book is the closest I'm ever going to come to giving birth! First I had to write the book. Then I had to find an editor, a graphic designer, a project manager, and a printing company. Once the books were printed, I had to find suitable international distribution channels. Next came the book publicity and marketing. I had to choose a publicist and work on a publicity plan. Television. Radio. Newspapers. Magazines. In-store book signings. For a while after my book came out, I felt like I was a professional media personality rather than a speaker with an important message to share. I was getting caught up in the "thoughts, words and actions" and I was losing sight of the dream. The Mortality Manifesto helped me identify and correct this misalignment.
The latest challenge to my focus came last week when I found out that my Canadian book distributor has just declared bankruptcy. Not only does this leave me without a way of getting my books into retail stores in Canada, it means that I will never see a penny of the money from the Canadian retail sales of my books in 2006. As you know, Wal-Mart Canada has been carrying my books since January, so you can imagine how much of my money has just evaporated with this bankruptcy.
After getting this news, I spent the better part of a day wallowing in self-pity and negativity. I felt angry and betrayed and I was almost entirely focused on the monetary loss. But then I remembered the phone message that I received earlier in the week from an old friend who told me that my book had helped their family through the final six months of her mother's life. That was just the reminder I needed. The book is just a tool to help move me in the direction of my dreams.
Although I am a professional speaker and author who needs to market and publicize my services - that is not the true focus of what I'm doing. I reminded myself that people can still get my book through my website and Amazon.com. I also reminded myself that money is only money and no amount of money is worth poisoning my system with negative emotions like anger, bitterness and frustration.
I am here to help people like my old friend, by spreading the exciting message of the Power of Mortality.
Focus is the key.
ENJOY NOW!
ENJOY NOW!
-Patrick
Dolce Vita Magazine (www.dolcemag.com) reaches over 900,000 affluent readers annually thoughout household distribution in addition to being on sale on newsstands across Canada and at all Barnes & Noble stores in the United States. The Summer 2006 issue contains a review of Patrick's book "What's Your Expiry Date?" in their "Books That Inspire The Soul" section. Here is some of what they had to say...
"...a brisk read that will have you changing the way you value and live your life."
Also, in her opening letter from the editor, Michelle Zerillo-Sosa (Editor-in-Chief/Co-Founder) had this to say:
"What's Your Expiry Date?" by Patrick Mathieu is one of my favourite reads. This book will inspire you to embrace your mortality, value your life, and live with vitality..."
To get your copy of Patrick's book, visit this link.
WELCOME!