The Warp Speed Effect and Tips
Warp speed, baby!
Here's how it usually happens:
1. I get an idea or an opportunity presents itself
2. I tell somebody about it
3. They say my idea is stupid, far-fetched, and will never work
4. I take action on my idea or opportunity and "catch a break"
5. Everything hits warp speed, I accomplish a lot in little time, my lifestyle gets an immediate upgrade, and I do a little happy dance
There are ideas and opportunities and then there are major, life-altering, hu-fucking-mongous ideas and opportunities. The first kind gives you a little boost. The other rockets you beyond your expectations to things you didn't believe were possible.
I call it the Warp Speed Effect because it has the capability to fast-forward your career, your social life, your everything if you're "lucky" enough to catch it and hold onto your ass. (Read the list of tips below my quick story and take some action of your own!)
My first Warp Speed moment happened when I emailed Lou Schuler for the first time. That resulted in gaining a great mentor and eventually a book deal.
My second Warp Speed moment occurred when I took out a $1200 loan to fly across the country to the Test Fest, a T-Nation seminar. That resulted in a freelance writing job, access to the best and brightest of the fitness world, and a whole slew of friends and mentors. Writing for T-Nation, even as a freelancer, put my life on warp speed and opened up more doors than I could walk through.
The third happened a few days ago when I accepted a full-time writing position for T-Nation that will allow me live every aspect of my dream life: security, finances, world-wide travel, complete mobility, my own schedule, helping people with their fitness goals, and writing.
So I'm writing this to say thank you to everyone who reads this blog, reads any article of mine, talked with me at a seminar, or lent a helping hand. Don't worry; I'll still continue updating this blog on my normal schedule (which really isn't a schedule at all, come to think of it...).
But I also want you to be able to recognize when a Warp Speed moment is within your grasp.
It's been said that "luck" is what happens when opportunity meets preparation. I believe that. So here are a few tips to make sure you have the "preparation" part down:
- Define exactly what you want your life to look like
- Become well-read within your profession, but stay humble
- Realize that other people will know a whole hell of a lot more than you do in some areas
- Realize that you'll know a whole hell of a lot more than they do on other areas
- If something feels "risky", it's something you should be paying close attention to; it may just be the break you need
-Learn to take criticism and rejection well and don't let it bring you down; use it to build yourself up
-Take the extra minute to send a thank-you email or card or book if someone helps you
-Discover the lost art of "conversation"
-Discover the lost art of "listening"
And most important, realize that one project, idea, or solution isn't the be-all end-all of your existence. Take it for what it is, do it to the best of your ability, and reap the benefits.
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Have you felt the Warp Speed Effect before? Remember, it doesn't just have to apply to business! (Quick side story: one of the toughest but best decisions I ever made was not moving to a new city with my girlfriend. We went our separate ways and remain friends, but I would have never been on this path if I went. Then again, I probably missed a lot of other opportunities for not going. Such is life.)
Share your quick story or offer some other ideas in the comments below!
Comments for This Entry
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That's excellent news, Nate! I've always enjoyed your articles.
I agree with a lot of your tips and I'd only add:
1. Stick to the plan but don't be afraid to change it every now and then
2. Set ambitious goals
3. Read Tim Ferriss' The Four Hour Work Week!
GT -
Yo Nate nice post,
I have had quite a few of those moments myself:
My first was about 4 years ago I attended an Elitefts seminar in Syracuse NY, this led me to meet all the Elite guys as well as Zach Even Esh and Joe Defranco. This intern ignited my Passion for opening a facility and I ended up meeting my business partner from Zachs Website.
My second would be attending the 2006 Arnold classic, I got a free ticket from My dad last minute to go and with no reservations went. I met with Steve Cotter, Zach and a few others as if I belonged. This led me to finding out about the Elitefts after party at a local bar that was invite only. I ended up sneaking my way in because they remembered me from Syracuse and got to hang with Dave Tate and Jim Wendler.
My Lastest happened about 8 months ago when sitting in my under wear, Elitefts.com had an open call to sponsor different athletes other than powerlifters. I jumped on this opportunity and filled it out. 3 months later I am on an interview with them and show them a youtube video I made and in the video I happened to be wearing an Elite Fitness T-shirt, from then I think I was golden. I am now A pro bike racer sponsored by one of the premier strength and conditioning sites on the Web.
Who knows whats next like you instead of a book deal I have a DVD. -
That's awesome. Congratulations and good luck.
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Congrats! What's your official title at T-nation? Apparently Mr. Schuler is working there as well?
My only warp speed moment (so far) was when I drove an hour to play for a masterclass at a small college. The result was a good connection with a well establish local musician, and a teaching gig perfect for the college student. Not amazing, but certainly not bad. I'm looking forward to the next two years at a new school with a well connected mentor.
-CD -
Nate, congratulations! You are fully deserving of all "breaks" you get. Right now I am warp-speeding toward two very different, very amazing, very life-altering opportunities..each on an opposite corner of the globe!
If I could add one thing to an already excellent list, I would add that all ideas should be vocalized, visualized or verbalized. Giving my goal some kind of externalization/expression has been a key part of every realization for me.
Toasting green tea to you! -
It's been amazing watching you grow: you've gone from punk-ass bitch with bad weight room habits, a dented up Mazda, and a job selling overpriced jeans to overpaid tourists; to punk-ass bitch with a book deal, a sick job, and a friggin' Audi.
My warp-speed moments have been, so far:
1. Dropping out of college. I don't think I would have been so hell-bent on learning my craft if I would have been in a classroom. I learn best when my situation is do-or-die, which is a blessing and a curse, I guess. The school of hard knocks has always taught me better and faster than any paid education, though, that's for sure.
2. Building this website. This site has brought me so many clients that I think I owe you lunches for the rest of time.
3. (I'm hoping...) Moving to Portland. I've got high hopes. And also a hankerin' for some of that local beer.
-Jason -
Can layoffs be warp-speed moments? I've found that every time I've been laid off (twice) or quit (twice) I shift into high gear and opportunities abound (regardless of "the economy"). My last job ended in the fall of 2006, prompting me to move to Boston from Connecticut (more job opportunities and my girlfriend - now fiance - was attending BC Law), where I freelanced for 6 companies in as many months, gaining incredible experience. At the same time, I was able to start training with Eric Cressey and do work for him, meeting John Berardi, Tony Gentilcore, Kevin Larrabee and Jimmy Smith, who up until that time I had only heard of on these here Internets.
Warpspeed to a year and a half later and I'm engaged to a future lawyer (hello new car), playing/lifting/feeling better than ever, freelancing for some of the best names in the business, enjoying (really!) my fulltime job, and looking forward to the next warpspeed moment.
Now if only I could harness that energy consciously - hopefully your blog will help.
I read a quote today by Milton Berle that stuck with me - "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." I think your post is about building that door. -
Nate, congrats on the position at T-Nation!
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Nice one Nate! I've no doubt you'll do a great job!
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Amazing progress Nate - congrats on the position and the book deal - you've obviously got your head in the right place - I'll keep following!
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Congratulations Nate,
I can't help but be a bit envious and inspired.
Always enjoy reading your blog and posts on t-nation -
Congrats Nate!
I sure hope something comes my way or else I will have to make it happen. Right now I am torn between taking a job that pays better or staying at my current job where I just love my coworkers. Also, between moving out, trying to find roommates, or just staying where I am. Oh boy!
Good Luck! -
With you, Nate, I don't think it was ever a question of 'if,' but rather 'when,' you would find a way to make your ideal lifestyle happen. I'm still impressed that you did it so quickly. Congrats.
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Man this website is great. i like it because,i get to see my name everywhere on this site(and its my real name ladies and gentlemen all bullshit to the side!) Do you know how fuckin awesome that is!!!???
COMMENT RULES: Critical posts are fine, but if you're rude I'll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your personal name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. But most of all, have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation! (Thanks to Tim Ferriss for the inspiration.)
George Trach 8:52pm Jul 24, 2008