Apparently I can be am a hypochondriac.

Every time there is something out of the normal for me health wise, I do what EVERY great American does … I diagnose myself on WebMD. There is nothing wrong with the fact that someone just might want to see what their situation could be and if they really need to seek medical attention. After all, we want to be great stewards of our time and money. I do think that the problem is that almost every diagnosis on WebMD will result in painful and immediate death, and that’s where the stress level dramatically increases and the sweating starts.

My wife HATES it when I seek anything medical related on the Internet. I’ve had a heart attack, a ruptured spleen, Gout, and a handful of other catastrophic diseases that have somehow miraculously healed without medical attention. I am a worrier and it’s not unlike it for me to come to the conclusion that the end is near. I guess I could blame this on past experiences where family members have died way too early or that I am getting older, but regardless, it is an unhealthy way of life and I think that I may just be a fry short of a Happy Meal.

This time it’s totally different.

Over the last few weeks I’ve had some very weird dizzy spells and light headedness on top of other symptoms that I felt just weren’t right. Of course I did my due diligence and referred to my handy WebMD app, but this time it’s different. Today I went to the doctor for a PROFESSIONAL opinion and checkup. Today the doctor said he was very concerned with my symptoms and that it could (A BIG COULD) be related to a brain tumor. Now I am hoping and praying for test results to come back quickly so that I can know something! The best case is that I am suffering from some sort of Vertigo or other lesser ailment, but then I also have to consider that things may be worse.

This situation also comes after watching the latest episode of Modern Family where Phil Dunphy – ironically – goes to the doctor and is presented with concern about his health. The doctor tells Phil that if something is wrong with his test results, he would call on Saturday. The doctor does call though Phil gets a message from his son. Unfortunately when Phil calls back, his doctor has left for London and cannot get any word about the results. The next few hours of Phil’s life becomes focused on how little time he has left and his odds of survival. This is the feeling I am experiencing right now.

While it all works out for Phil Dunphy (and is a hilarious ending) I have to wait to see what happens in my own sitcom. How is one supposed to react to the news that what you are struggling with is “very concerning?” In the past, I could reassure myself that my WebMD prognosis was as accurate as a Chinese fortune cookie, but today not so much.

So I am praying. Waiting. Hoping. Either way this turns out, I know it will change things in life.

Twenty eleven was in interesting year for me. I had to relearn some very valuable business lessons and overcome challenges that I haven’t seen in over a decade. I was reminded what it’s like to falsely believe we are in control of everything and that complacency can be an extremely deadly virus. But 2011 also brought about some very wonderful situations and insights as well. I’d like to quickly share some of what I learned in the hope it might benefit you.

Your career is NOT the most important aspect of your life (or it shouldn’t be). I’ve watched many wonderful people end their marriages and damage relationships with their children this year, all for their careers and desires. The work you do is no where near as important as the promises you made to your spouse or family. One can try and justify it however it sounds sweet to their soul, but let me shoot straight – there is no way to make crap smell good.

Your situation may not be as bad as you think it is.  I was the opposite of Charlie Sheen’s “winning” mantra for the first six months of 2011. It seemed everything that I did was a failure and I could not achieve success no matter how bad I wanted it or how hard I worked for it. This was a really dark time for me and I whined the entire time. Fortunately, I was able to get the proper motivation and see that my situation was way better than many others in the world. Let me say this … there is ALWAYS hope and you must keep faith in it. Life will get better.

Sometimes you have to realize you are not in control and just have to accept it. It stinks when your daughter’s high school graduation gets ruined because of another person’s actions or you have to start a new business mid-life in an economy that is all shot to hell. There are times in life where we need to move beyond the negative and look to see the positive. It really helps!

Anger and bitterness does not serve you well in any aspect of life. I will be honest in that this is one area where I have struggled the most. It can become very consuming to focus on the people or situations that have cut you deep. And when you do, you become a hostage to them and you are never truly free to live until you let go. Don’t let anger or bitterness rob you of the joy you can experience every day.

Do what you love and don’t follow the money. I’ve written about this before but it’s worth mentioning it again. Your life will never be satisfied if you chase money or fame. They might buy you temporary happiness, but once that wears off, your soul will still feel empty if you don’t pursue the passions of your heart.

Your health is valuable and important, so don’t neglect it or dismiss it. My grandmother used to say that our health is the most important thing in life. As a teenager I thought she was senile, but now I know that it’s absolutely true. I am thankful for every single day I remain healthy and we should do all we can to stay that way.

God is always here and He always provides. I realize some of my readers may not believe in God or be a Christian, but I can honestly say that I have seen God’s Hand on my entire life (even when I wasn’t a Christian) and that it is ONLY by His blessings and grace that I’ve been as fortunate as I am. I’ve lost sight of this so many times, yet I always see it when I really look for it.

Much more could be written and shared about 2011, but it’s time to stop looking back and to start looking forward. Since I’ve turned 40, I’ve spent way too much time in the past … and I’ve forgotten what it’s like to truly live right here and now!

As I close out this last post for the year, I want to wish you a very Happy New Year and pray that 2012 will be amazing for you in so many ways.

It’s a word that I abhor even though I know at times it can the best action to take. But I am a man of action, and when I discover something I am passionate about doing or want to make happen, I hate sitting idle while the world passes me by. Especially when you know your idea can help other people or benefit those involved.

Hurry Up and Wait.

It’s just one of the military sayings and attitudes I experienced in the Army. You rush to get ready for action or primed to take your objective and then … nothing! Your battalion or company gets caught up in a Charlie Foxtrot of red tape or messy logistics that prevent you from moving forward. And you sit and wait. It’s hard to win battles when you lose momentum and morale suffers.

Ironically, I also see this happen with business ideas or business decisions quite frequently. People come together to plan and share a desire to “take that hill.” They get the adrenaline rush, prepare to take action, and then … nothing. It’s very maddening.

Shoot. Move. Communicate.

This is another term that an infantryman learns in training. You are taught to shoot your enemy, move so you don’t become a target, and make damn sure you tell your buddies when you are moving — so you don’t get shot in the back or so they can cover you from enemy fire. The goal is to continually move forward until you take your objective.

I believe many of us need this attitude and discipline with our business strategies or world changing ideas. We need to push forward to take that hill. Sometimes we need to do it at all costs and sometimes we will have to go alone. Heroes never emerge from hiding in a foxhole or being in the rear with the gear; heroes are born by taking action and not waiting when something needs to be done.

Fix Bayonets and Charge…

I’ve spent many hours over the last twelve months talking business ideas and world changing strategies with people who say they want to do something. They talk about charging into battle with a fiery passion in their voice, but without action they will never know what it’s like to be a hero. Maybe the goal isn’t really to be hero, but I hope you get the point. You cannot achieve anything great or worthy without action.

I’m not waiting on others anymore to do what needs to be done. There is too much at stake. I want people I can count on and have my back, and if I can’t find them, I’ll take out the hill alone.

Follow Me!

Are you ready to do something worthwhile? Have you been wanting to pursue that new business or start a non-profit? Are you tired of waiting? Then lets roll into battle together. I’ve got your six (that’s got your backside covered) and am here to push you on. Lets do this!

Quitter gives insight about Jon’s adventures in “serial quitting” jobs and his quest for finding the ultimate dream job. It’s filled with practical and valuable advice for finding the work you love, but also in making sure you don’t screw up your life before you make the transition to it. Perhaps the best advice has to do with NOT quitting your job until it’s truly time to do so. Acuff’s writing is engaging and fun so the book is a quick read.

I admit that I am fast to encourage people to leave the cubicle and in following their dreams. I love to see people fulfill their calling and in becoming entrepreneurs. And normally I’d recommend some business books like The E-Myth or Trust Agents first, but if you are thinking about striking out on your own, I HIGHLY recommend Quitter be the first book you read!

(All book links are affiliate links and I do appreciate it if you use them – it helps my addiction)