You Are EXACTLY Where You Need To Be...

I’ve always felt this pull. A desire for more.

I’m not only talking about the dreams we had when we were kids. That’s just the start.

I’m talking about looking around, in bad times and even good times, and knowing that there’s something else. Something more.

Maybe it’s something you could do. Or maybe it’s something you could be.

For some people, those desires never leave. But over time, we’re told to “man up” or “grow up and accept things the way they are.”

I’ve “manned up” and “grown up” over and over again, and still I’ve always felt this pull inside my soul for greater things.

I’ve been forced to accept the same things that you have:

• Broken homes.
• People leave.
• We have to work.
• Most likely, nobody is coming to save you.
• There is no ultimate blueprint for success.

And still, I cannot settle. And you don’t have to either. We can create our own blueprint.

Believe it or not, you’re right where you need to be now to get where you want to go.

Don’t suppress the desire to reach for more. The fact that it’s still there with you today is the evidence that there’s still more for you.

It could be a call from God. Maybe you’ll be able to impact others in a positive way.

It could be that you know you have the potential to do great things.

It could be that you know you deserve better than what you’re getting out of life right now.

Whatever it is, maybe you just need to hear this: contrary to what the world will try to tell you, you shouldn’t ignore it.

I’ve seen the evidence in my own life that pressing for more does actually lead to greater things.

But I get it…. It’s not easy.

We each have different lives, but our struggles are similar.

Maybe you’re tired. Or uninspired.

Maybe you see everybody else’s life highlights on social media, and it gets discouraging because it seems like they have it all figured out.

You might fear not reaching your potential.

You might have the fear of missing out.

Maybe you feel stuck. And don’t see a way out.

You could be sick of the same routine, day in and day out. Doing the same things over and over, with no purpose or passion.

Bored.

Then, for some, you might have the house, the cars, the vacations, but you still feel inside you that there’s something more.

You are not being ungrateful.

You are being called.

You have to confront it.

You feel that for a reason.

Whatever it is, the part of your heart that’s crying out to never settle is trying to tell you something. You are made for more. The fact that you believe it is the evidence of its potential reality. But only you can bring it into this external world.

This video will help you do that.

Complacency is the enemy.

Setbacks are inevitable.

But as long as you have the desire, your possibility remains.

You have to lean into it.

Now, this note should do two things:

1. Explain how I ended up here, doing this.
2. Show you the value of the pursuit.

I always felt the pull to reach for greatness and help others do the same.

Music is where I started.

For years, I made music, sharing my perspective and never compromising the more important things like family and faith.

After some hard times, I had to take a break from music. I stopped pursuing anything more than staying on top of my responsibilities and taking care of my family. I had chased this thing down for so long that when I stopped, I gained so much wisdom.

Distance from something puts it into perspective. Sometimes we need distance.

I was happy without music, but I’m a super aware and reflective type of person. I considered just living the normal life, working and taking care of my family. But I knew deep down that I still couldn’t get away from finding a way to reach for more in life and doing something positive.

I decided I wouldn’t put it off anymore.

I stopped forcing and starting praying, reflecting, and pursuing again.

I started working on a joint music project that fell through, then shifted gears.

As much as I love music and still plan to make more, I wanted to be able to express myself more fully. There’s only so much you can say in song format. I wanted an outlet to be more direct and less abstract.

Next, I zoned in on a podcast. After getting it ready, my co-host didn’t believe it was for him.

I was not happy with it at first because I was ready to make a move. But he was right. And I know that because my next moves led me right here, talking to you.

And I KNOW this is right. Right now.

I’ve never felt more in place.

Right here, I can be direct and conversational. I can deep dive. And I believe I can help others.

The point of my story is this:

• I felt the pull, so I began a pursuit.
• I made music. Through that, I learned a lot about content, production, videography, social media, you name it.
• I stopped making music and still felt the pull to reach for more.
• So I began to pursue again. It led me here. Using so many of the things I’ve learned leading up to this point. And I’m more fulfilled in my life than I’ve ever been.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

That’s true. BUT….

Sometimes you’re going through a process. And you’ve got to trust that it’s gonna lead somewhere.

Sometimes we need a break to put things into perspective. But most times we just need to make a motion.

I needed my break because it brought so much clarity, but when I realized I still needed more, I began to pursue.

The Answer to Your Questions is Pursuit

Wherever you are in life and whatever your age, when you feel that desire for something more, whatever that may mean for you, don’t run from it. Don’t be ashamed of it. Stand on it and lean into it.

Your potential is limitless. You can’t even imagine all the great things that are possible in your life when you give yourself a chance.

Here are some things that will help you find your way.

The Keys to Pursuit

• Prayer: I don’t know what your faith is, but I respect you wherever you stand. For me, none of this would be possible without my trust and reliance on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• Obsessive thought: dive in and become extremely passionate about wherever it is that you start.
• Persistence: there will always be setbacks, but they only build you up and make you more capable of becoming. Keep knocking. Success comes to those who refuse to stop.
• Adaptability: things won’t always go the way you think they will. You’ll change as you grow. Your goals might change. Don’t try to force an old way when a new, better way is developing.

Without the pursuit, you’re robbing yourself of WHAT COULD BE. You might not see the possibility yet, but I can promise that taking your shot will only lead to greater things for you in your life.

There’s a quote that says “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

If you never take a shot, you’ll stay right where you are.

Don’t be afraid to be different.

Don’t be afraid to stand on your faith.

Never compromise and persevere.

You have everything you need to start now.

Consider this video a sign.

Listen to that voice of hope. You have to confront it. Spend time with it. Pursue it. You might not know what it is now, but you DO know where you can start. Just like I did.

I really hope this helped you in some way.

For the people that have been with me for so long, I know I took a break, but I’ve still been here. I’ve just been learning and growing. This is where I’ll be.

Every week, I’ll be posting a YouTube video like this and sending out a newsletter through emails, and blogs on my site zachbanes.com. I’ll be putting out content on all my social platforms @zachbanes. I’d love for you to subscribe to the channel or email list and follow and like and all that good stuff.

I’ve also been writing my first book and I’m really excited about it! That’s a lifelong dream for me.

Let me know if I can help with some other topics. I truly believe it’s my purpose to make the most of my life, love my family, and help others do the same. That’s why I’m here. Until next week!

I’m your friend. I’m your brother. It’s ya boy,

Zach Banes