Testimonies
Testimonies of people who have finished 24 days of The Start Experiment.
Dating // Stu Tully
Stu Tully It had been a long time since I’d been on a date, let alone been in a relationship (over five years, to be exact). After a bad breakup, I felt I didn’t have anything to offer to a lady in a relationship, `additionally, I had pretty low self-esteem about myself in general and I just stopped trying. Thankfully, the Start Experiment helped me to rid myself of this mindset. One of the goals I set for the initial 24 days was to go on a proper date with someone I met in real life. To be honest, I felt this was the most difficult of my challenges because it depended on someone else. My other goals could be accomplished through self-discipline, but this one needed an outsider to agree to go out with me. Without anyone on my dating radar, I took the risk of opening myself up more. I began attending all sorts of activities and gatherings with the intent of simply meeting people. I dropped my usual quiet façade and began introducing myself to people, taking the initiative instead of waiting for them to ask me. The turning point came at a wedding reception I attended on day 20 of the experiment. Instead of just sitting off to the side, I actively asked girls to dance. It was a risk, considering I didn’t know any of the persons I asked, but one agreed. We ended up dancing together for the rest of the night. Afterwards, I asked her to go to dinner the next week. She agreed. And the rest is history, so they say. I write this the day after our dinner date. It went quite well. I’m not sure if it will develop into a proper relationship, and frankly, I don’t care. I put myself more out there than I had in years, and although taking the risk was frightening, it was ultimately worth it. I could have never imagined this particular goal succeeding when I started the experiment, yet here I sit, knowing that making the risk was indeed the best course of...
Read MoreFacing Fear // Amy Campbell
Amy Campbell I read the START book on a family vacation in May of 2013. I’ve been divorced for 12 years, I’m the mother of an 11 year old and I’m a statistic-breaker. It’s statistically improbable that I would be an entrepreneur. I created MyResumeLady.com in September of 2008 because Dave Ramsey said in Total Money Makeover that I needed to get another job to pay off my bills. Had it not been for being “released from serving” my corporate employer in March of 2010, I doubt very much I would have had the guts to be a “Quitter” and launch TheRedChecker.com in June of 2010. Both are debt free growing companies. The Red Checker (TRC), is heading into year four with some incredible case studies and advocate global-footprint companies as clients. Our processes are proven. We have a lot to be proud of. But, we never tell anyone about it and we don’t do the things for TRC that we do for our clients world-wide. Why? Fear. It is my fear that has kept me from taking TRC to the possible heights. Fear that says: Who am I to say that? It’s already been said, better, by someone else! What are they going to say about me whenever I say “THAT”? I spent the first 24 days committed to my START. I would do content building for my own thought-leadership positioning and utilize the tools I have for lead generation, lead capture, marketing/lead qualification and revenue generation, just like I do for my clients. Until START, I have hidden behind my consulting and haven’t really found the courage to tell others about it. I found that the START Experiment provided a safe, positive, non-judgmental place to turn for encouragement about my struggles. The wonderful thing was, we were all taking a really big risk. We told complete strangers our deep fears and nobody laughed. Instead, people commented that they had felt or thought or done/not done, many of the same things. It was such a wonderful bonding thing to happen. I began to really care for other STARTers and cheer for their successes, and prayed for their struggles as well. STARTers were raw, open, honest, collaborative, witty and funny, loving in many cases, and overall, some of the most amazingly REAL people I have found anywhere on the web. Plans have been made to meet several who have been instrumental in enhancing the START Experience for me. This level of inclusiveness is rare. Very rare. In 24 days of START, with the daily posts from Jon and the encouragement of other STARTers, I soft launched my new website, published a whitepaper on becoming a thought leader in your industry, began scheduling posts for social media, and have held audience with 5 new prospects. That is more progress than I’ve made in a year, or possibly two. I am committed to my audacious goal of doing more of those things mentioned previously, and also taking the message online to YouTube and GIVING AWAY THE INFORMATION companies need to make Marketing a Revenue Generating Machine. I want to be a blessing to others. I want to grow and employ passionate and inspired people who are looking for meaningful, worthwhile...
Read MoreMusic // Tim Fisher
Tim Fisher Start Experiment was more than just an experiment for me. I had a dream in my heart late in 2011. When I got the chance to sing onstage with a well-known band, I jumped on it immediately. Someone encouraged me later to use my gift; soon after, a family member discouraged me, as I was already getting a degree. This past February, I finally made the decision to pursue singing, as I met with several friends who support each other’s goals and keep each other accountable by meeting every two weeks. I took small steps. When Start Experiment came along, I knew I had to join. I didn’t know what it was, but I thought, hey, if it’s something motivational, it will be great for me. The daily advice, as well as the network of support, has been incredible. It really came down to one piece that Jon wrote where he asked, “Are you working every day to achieve your risk?” That hit me and stuck, and since then I’ve put in the effort to work everyday, whether it’s practicing or just gathering songs. The daily communication with Jon and others has been key. I’m so thankful for Start Experiment (Round 1 and Round 2), and I really feel it’s a going to be a key component in helping me connect with others who will help me achieve my...
Read MoreWomen’s Ministry // Andrea Lowe
Andrea Lowe In starting this experiment, my goal was clear. My desired outcome was clearly marked and ready to be achieved: Women’s ministry. I had the women selected that I would contact to learn from. I knew these were the very women who would help guide and direct me in fulfilling one of my heart’s desire. However, as I began taking steps, risking, and sharing my heart, I began to discover that my vision for ministry is not mine at all. I admire women in leadership positions for various reasons, but in truth, I just expected to start where they are today, and some have been in ministry for as long as I have been alive. How am I going to help encourage, equip and empower others to fulfill their dreams if I cannot even clearly envision my own? As round 1 of the start experiment continued, amazing things started happening. I was asked to take on new leadership roles at my church. These roles would allow me to be creative in developing the gifts and talents in others. Amazingly, my leaders know me well, even when I don’t, and continuously challenge me to step out of my comfort zone and refine the gifts and talents in me. So, has my passion changed? No. My vision has been enlarged and I am overwhelmed with excitement and joy as I continue to take steps, strides and leaps of faith. The unknown can be scary, but I am finding great comfort in knowing that a risk taken is much more fruitful than a fear...
Read More
Recent Comments