Okay, we are going to jump right in here without any preamble or prologue. Let’s get right into it. Some time ago I came up with the idea to share “10 Things I Would Tell ANYONE,” that is, ten things that I have learned through my experiences over time that I would share with any person, anywhere, of any background or in any walk of life, etc.

And I’m definitely not telling anyone what to do; I’m just making suggestions. In fact, that’s #11 right there: one thing I’ve learned is that when you tell someone what to do, they don’t like that. If you make a suggestion, they tend to be more receptive. You’re welcome. Let’s move on.

I thought it would be fun to present it in a countdown like David Letterman, so without further ado (which I said we were skipping, oh well…):

10 Things I Would Tell ANYONE

#10: The Power of What If?, Why Not?, & Especially Why Not Me?

In my upcoming book (shameless plug, details to come), I pose the question to the reader quite often, “What if?” I do so to encourage an open mind about things, because what I have found is that I have a history of limiting myself by often usually constantly having a closed mind about things. Very truly – and I can give you every example imaginable – it is when I open my mind that I improve myself, that I make myself maybe just a tiny bit better. I thought for the longest time that what I believed is what I believed and that I didn’t have any need to consider anything else. But all that ever amounted to was an endless loop of self-reinforcing thought, a limited view of looking at anything that was completely closed, contained, finite and unable to grow in any way.

We owe it to ourselves to encourage our own growth by having an open mind, listening to other opinions, collecting external data, expanding what we know. We should be – oh, I am loathe to say this because I am such a monumental slacker, ugh! – continuously learning, continuously expanding in thought. We owe it to ourselves to be more today than we were yesterday. Frankly, we owe it to others, because we are probably going to be better to/with others if we are constantly getting better personally.

Something else I have wrestled with is “Why not?” I have never been a Why Not? kind of guy. I’ve always been and struggle not to be an Absolutely Not! kind of guy. (I suggest that you enter “charlotte dobre absolutely not” in the YouTube search bar. I enjoy watching her and you might, too.) My cousin Holly just told me the other day, “My first answer is always no.” That just speaks directly into my heart, man! I laughed out loud with joy when I read that! No. Not gonna do it. Wouldn’t be prudent. “No!”

But then, well, “Maybe.” And – just suggesting – ask “Why not?” Having that kind of mentality opens up doors, gives you every opportunity. Now, I’m not saying why not go on an LSD-fueled bender and smash your car up on a spontaneous and outrageous road trip to Vegas. Absolutely not! But why not be open to more things, more opportunities, more proposals from people, more avenues for growth…? If you are immediately thinking no (as I and Holly do), pause for a moment and instead think why not? Maybe you should. Maybe I should.

But the best one is “Why not me?” Oh my God, the power of Why Not Me! Listen, always, always set your expectations properly (#2 or 3 in this Series so more on that later) but give yourself permission to ask Why Not Me?

I was maybe ¾ done writing my book (not a shameless plug, just a great example in context here, no really for reals) and I was like, you know, this feels good, and why not? Why shouldn’t I write a book? Why not me? Why not me? It was around this time I came across Mindy Kaling’s book titled “Why Not Me?” and that really pissed me off! That bitch completely stole my thunder! Ugh! (Love you, Mindy! Like, so much. Big fan. Can I walk-back cussing you out? Call me, ‘kay? Hearts emoji.)

But I was really feeling it. Other people do it. Why not me? Other people write books. Some of them are “successful” (really hate that word). Why not me? I feel so empowered when I think that, and I urge everyone else to do it, too!

Honestly, I grew up in a time with restrictions, as did the generations before. But look around. The kids are doing anything they can come up with. They are doing amazing things that just couldn’t have been done before! And devil may care if anyone approves! YouTube creator? Why not me? Instagram influencer? Why not me? Astoundingly talented artist or musician utilizing all of the tools easily available at my disposal? Why not me? Truly, they are absolutely killing it. I for one am amazed, applaud them for it, and give them my respect.

Enable yourself. Empower yourself. Stop limiting yourself. It all starts with a What If, a Why Not, or a Why Not Me? Do it. Do it today. You might love the results!

Thanks for reading! Make it a great day, every day. Cheers!

Your friend,

Rock Rockstead is – despite your protests to the contrary – an author, blogger, artist and professional procrastinator. His accomplishments are few but he did write a book (shameless plug). Website and social media links to appear here soon. This signature will be improved at some point – no need to ask why, is there?