Just finished the book, Idea Man: A Memoir by the Cofounder of Microsoft, by Paul Allen. It was a fascinating look into the digital genius, entrepreneur, philanthropist, musician and explorer whom, because of his private nature, few outside his world knew much about before this book.
I learned many lessons from the book though it was not one in which I found myself highlighting and taking notes on a continual basis. There were some gems, for sure, as might be expected when learning from such a successful person. Really, though, it was — more than anything — simply a very enjoyable read. Much more so than I even expected.
Allen grew up in a nice, middle-class family with loving Parents, a good imagination and, as it turns out, a fairly good grasp of computer stuff (insert major LOL here). 😉 He also sensed the potential it had to change the world in a positive way and he had the willingness to see it happen.
More than anything, it was his passion that came through the pages. In a quiet way, he threw himself full-force into whatever captured him at the moment. And, that was one of my biggest takeaways, the key insight into the man.
Near the end of the book, he wrote:
“Some people are motivated by a need for recognition, some by money, and some by a broad social goal. I start from a different place, from the love of ideas and the urge to put them into motion and see where they might lead.
“The creative path is rocky, with the risk of failure ever present and no guarantees. But even with its detours and blind alleys, it’s the only road that I find fulfilling.”
Here’s a man who, through the ideas he pursued (with his then business partner, Bill Gates) and the value he provided, became a multi-billionaire at a very young age. And, while the money was simply a means to an end that allowed him to pursue that which he chose to pursue, it certainly wasn’t about the money.
For Paul Allen, it was about the ideas; it was about putting them in motion; it was about seeing where they would lead.
What is it about for you? What moves you? What motivates you? What gets you up in the morning?
The Hokey-Pokey notwithstanding, this really is what it’s all about.
No, not what motivates Paul Allen; it’s about what motivates YOU. It’s about what YOU will throw yourself full-force into.
Please share with us what that is!
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My rush, Bob, is connecting what I believe are connectable individuals and see them become insanely great friends so much so they forget how in the world they “found” one another. This is not about boy meets girl or vice versa. It’s about gifted folks with some similar “bents” merging their minds for mutual and huge benefit(s) who otherwise might never have gotten acquainted. Victory!
sQs Delray Beach FL
It was his sense and potential to change the world and especially the world of IT, and his willingness along with other peoples brought us into new era of Technology. I’m thankful to the God that he gave us Paul and his team.
Marguis, And what does it for YOU? Bob asks.
Oops. Marquis. Mea Culpa “q” not “g!” sQs Delray Beach FL
Bob, there are 2 big ones that jump forward for me as I think about your question. I love helping people create solutions and systems that are simple and elegant. There’s something really appealing to the ‘simplicity on the far side of complexity’ that captivates me.
The other one that I love is helping people to see why and how their unquestioned solutions are actually working against them. It’s so easy to latch onto a phrase or idea and then blindly follow it without thinking about how to apply it for maximum benefit in your specific situation.
Inspiration
Bob,
Good piece.
For me, it is the desire to help people live up to their potential. I was fortunate enough to start listening to and reading personal development material when I was in college. Those lessons helped me to realize that I was born with the potential to go much farther than my current situation would suggest.
It was up to me.
So many people need to hear the message that they are special and can achieve their dreams. It is not an easy path. It is not guaranteed. But isn’t it worth it to look back and know you either lived up to your God given potential or at least gave it your best try. The alternative, looking back and thinking about what might have been, is too terrible to contemplate.
So, I am driven to try to help those who go for it.
By the way Bob, you are among the handful that have impacted me most.
Great take away Bob!
At different points or in the beginning of my “new life” as an entrepreneur &/or according to my personality….I am motivated by a “need for recognition, some by money, and some by a broad social goal.” Somewhere along the way I realized there is a much bigger picture. Others! The moment I witnessed the “light bulb moment” -AKA: Hope/Belief/Determination in- the eyes of someone else, I realized this is truly what inspires me. In life, in ministry, in business, my specific intent is making sure I am others centered. I continually & constantly strive to be a servant leader, but not in a sense of being a martyr, or that I am undeserving. My pain, failure, & mistakes would be null & void if I didn’t help others. Experience is the best teacher right? Someone else’s experience that is!
I don’t “need” recognition in that I am needy & have to be stroked. I love the attention! 🙂 Hey…Paul was honest right? Yet more so, it measures teamwork & interdependence with others as well as honors my mentors who have invested much time & energy into my accomplishments.
I gravitate toward the social goals not just because it’s FUN, but I continually learn from people who have wisdom/results in the areas of life I aspire to have. The money is just a tool to measure success & be an example so others may find belief.
Again….thank YOU!
g
For me it’s talking to people who are in some type of pain: upset, frustrated, overwhelmed, guilty, aggravated and giving them the tools and technique that will give them relief from their pain. I get such a joy from seeing a smile on a clients face when they realize they can do something about what they’re struggling with.
Thanks for the post.
Mari
Hi everyone…thank you. I LOVED your comments. Often, when I ask a question as I did at the end of this article, I don’t respond individually to the answers, but I read each and every one, and always appreciate and learn from them. Thank you for sharing yourselves with us!