Tony Teegarden (Dot) Com

Turn Your Problems into Profits

  • HOME
  • THE STORY
  • BLOG
  • PODCAST
  • CASE STUDY
  • CONTACT

Written by Tony Teegarden 32 Comments

I’m Not Your Guru

Monks gather to celebrate Buddhas birthday and...

I’m Not Your Guru

As I seem to have been making this transition in life lately, (I’m calling it the big fat change), I’ve come across some very interesting internal dialogue that I had to share, something that’s disturbed me lately and has had me come to a revelation.

I’m not your guru here at Tony Teegarden Dot Com and nor do I desire to be.

So why do I do it? What drives me to share this stuff that I do?

  • To get you to think and do for yourself?
  • To satisfy my ego?
  • To selfishly fulfill my need to give or contribute? (Bingo)

I’ve been doing a lot of reading on marketing, persuasion, cult like branding and spiritual personal development over the past year or two. What’s it all got do do with this post? A lot. Most of of the stuff turns my stomach if I have to be frank.

I don’t want to be responsible for your outcomes. I don’t want the credit for your successes or your failures. I don’t want to create my own cult of followers or minions. I don’t have my own religion, nor do I want one.

My experiences are my experiences and they don’t, nor should, they reflect any that you may have. Could it however, cause an insight, an internal shift and inspire you to dive into your own journey with awareness?

Sure, I can live with that.

Am I promoting anarchy? Absolutely not.

I’m talking about you being your own guru and being the architect of your own life.

Anytime you put too much stock into one person, I don’t care who it is, you give up your personal power.

The Guru’s Won’t Tell You This

I hate to tell you this but, there is no cookie cutter system for success for any of us. There is no one size fits all, personal development process. There is no one size fits all success system that is going to make you financially successful over night.

The journey for everyone is different.

Because we are all different. Different as in:

  • childhood experiences
  • different life experiences
  • different friendships
  • environments to operate in

This creates different expectations that we all have of our financial success, self growth success, relationship success or life results period. We have different expectations of how it should show up in our lives and how much, if any, pain we have to go through in order to get it.

Quite frankly why isn’t anyone mentioning this?

Why doesn’t anyone tell you, “Hey guess what, this may not be for you and you know what, there is a very good chance it won’t work for you because (Insert any reason).Β  However, you may get a nugget or two that will help you connect the dots. It could help you get the complete picture. It could bring all the pieces together of who you are and what you stand for.”

You know why lots of folks aren’t telling you this? Because it’s not smart marketing they figure. There’s a good chance you won’t fork over your money for it, listen to it, accept it or do it because there’s no magic bullet.

Oh I’ve seen plenty of people part ways with their money in the hopes of a magic bullet of personal development. (Yup, I’m totally guilty)Β  The very same thing they say you don’t want, they put full emotional stock into. Then they get pissed when it doesn’t work like like they want, or they get depressed and shove the latest and greatest box o’ stuff in the closet or shove it under the bed and don’t say anything to anybody so you don’t look foolish.

The bottom line is if everyone told you any of this stuff, you’d never part with your money. Period.

Is This Going to Contribute to My Personal Power

I’m all about contribution here at Tony Teegarden Dot Com however it’s not about looking to me as any kind of guru.I don’t want your personal power, I would however like to contribute to it. I’m just like you in many ways. It’s why you’re attracted to read my stuff maybe.

If I can help you connect the dots great, guess what? I’m still connecting mine. I’ll be happy to share with you how I’m connecting mine or how I’ve helped someone else connect theirs, and if you find value, then cool.

However don’t look to me as the guru. I’m just a regular guy who’s still scared to share, a lot of times, what I know.Β  But I do it anyway. Last I checked that was the definition of courage.

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing“

Imagine if you asked yourself from now on, “Will this course, will this book, will this audio, will this seminar will this mentor session contribute to my over all picture of the life I am designing?”

What would you make it mean to yourself?

Here’s to living in your power, not the guru’s.

Enhanced by Zemanta

Related Posts

  •  Just Change Damnit (You Too Guru) Just Change Damnit (You Too Guru)
  • Discover How To Let Your Light Shine Discover How To Let Your Light Shine
  • Wealth Consciousness Can You Answer These 4 Questions Wealth Consciousness Can You Answer These 4 Questions
  • Jonathan Greye: 5 Ways Conscious Entrepreneurs Can Ignite Their Brand TPIP:0061Jonathan Greye: 5 Ways Conscious Entrepreneurs Can Ignite Their Brand TPIP:0061
  • Francis Ablola: Filling Live Events w/Facebook Ads Masterclass TPIP:0054Francis Ablola: Filling Live Events w/Facebook Ads Masterclass TPIP:0054

Filed Under: Learning New Life Skills Tagged With: Guru, Learning New Life Skills, marketing, Money, Religion, spiritual guru

Comments

  1. Albert | UrbanMonk.Net says

    January 19, 2010 at 7:16 pm

    Good stuff Tony – I’ve been reading this book on the Enneagram and the authors touch on exactly the same topic. Most gurus/teachers write about what has worked for them personally, when in fact there are all the different Enneagram types (or any other personality system you might like to use), each with their own needs and approaches.

    I think that for most people who are dedicated to their own growth, knowing about themselves via one of the personality theories is vital!

  2. Albert | UrbanMonk.Net says

    January 19, 2010 at 7:16 pm

    Good stuff Tony – I’ve been reading this book on the Enneagram and the authors touch on exactly the same topic. Most gurus/teachers write about what has worked for them personally, when in fact there are all the different Enneagram types (or any other personality system you might like to use), each with their own needs and approaches.

    I think that for most people who are dedicated to their own growth, knowing about themselves via one of the personality theories is vital!

  3. tony says

    January 19, 2010 at 7:51 pm

    Hey Albert, thanks for the heads up on the book. Damn I love the personality system approach. I’m definitely going to get the book. Through a lot of my study of course in marketing & persuasion there are all of these “human triggers” that obviously do work. But what activates all people doesn’t always mean it’s in their best interest and serves the outcome they are really desiring. (Sure it make sales) The difference between manipulation & persuasion can be defined by intent however even then I believe there is no “one thing or person” that is able to be marketed to us as a *poof* [you’re developed] type of product. Always a pleasure and thanks for stopping by and sharing! I’m picking up the book asap.

  4. tony says

    January 19, 2010 at 7:51 pm

    Hey Albert, thanks for the heads up on the book. Damn I love the personality system approach. I’m definitely going to get the book. Through a lot of my study of course in marketing & persuasion there are all of these “human triggers” that obviously do work. But what activates all people doesn’t always mean it’s in their best interest and serves the outcome they are really desiring. (Sure it make sales) The difference between manipulation & persuasion can be defined by intent however even then I believe there is no “one thing or person” that is able to be marketed to us as a *poof* [you’re developed] type of product. Always a pleasure and thanks for stopping by and sharing! I’m picking up the book asap.

  5. leonlioe (Leonard Lioe) says

    January 20, 2010 at 2:13 am

    Twitter Comment


    I’m Not Your Guru | Social Media Blogging | Personal Development … [link to post] – Posted using Chat Catcher

  6. leonlioe (Leonard Lioe) says

    January 20, 2010 at 2:13 am

    Twitter Comment


    I’m Not Your Guru | Social Media Blogging | Personal Development … [link to post] – Posted using Chat Catcher

  7. Allison Nazarian says

    January 20, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    I totally feel you (as usual) on this. Soooo many people, especially in my world of Internet Marketing, are looking for their Guru, their hero, their mentor, THE person who has ALL OF THE ANSWERS. Finding that elusive external fix or answer. And the not-so-great “gurus” prey on that. And take the same money over and over from the same people over and over.
    But I do see this changing or at least the tide is turning. As people begin to realize that everything — EVERYTHING — they need and want is already there. Inside. Not outside. It’s there. We just need to go inside (which can be hard, painful, stressful, weird, awkward, slow) and grab it and live it.
    You know I love you my brother πŸ™‚
    Alli

  8. Allison Nazarian says

    January 20, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    I totally feel you (as usual) on this. Soooo many people, especially in my world of Internet Marketing, are looking for their Guru, their hero, their mentor, THE person who has ALL OF THE ANSWERS. Finding that elusive external fix or answer. And the not-so-great “gurus” prey on that. And take the same money over and over from the same people over and over.
    But I do see this changing or at least the tide is turning. As people begin to realize that everything — EVERYTHING — they need and want is already there. Inside. Not outside. It’s there. We just need to go inside (which can be hard, painful, stressful, weird, awkward, slow) and grab it and live it.
    You know I love you my brother πŸ™‚
    Alli

  9. tony says

    January 20, 2010 at 2:49 pm

    Yes Alli I agree! There are lots of people I’m finding that are turning inward for the answers. The net has made it so much easier for them to amass. Their connection to divinity is and always has been there in that place. Slow up to hurry up my good friend has always said. Slowly, breathe and be present. Thanks for stopping by πŸ™‚

    Much Love to You, TT

  10. tony says

    January 20, 2010 at 2:49 pm

    Yes Alli I agree! There are lots of people I’m finding that are turning inward for the answers. The net has made it so much easier for them to amass. Their connection to divinity is and always has been there in that place. Slow up to hurry up my good friend has always said. Slowly, breathe and be present. Thanks for stopping by πŸ™‚

    Much Love to You, TT

  11. Evan says

    January 20, 2010 at 8:50 pm

    Some marketers do qualifying of leads (ie. this is for you if . . ., this is not for you if . . . ). I like this lots more than the one size fits all approach.

    My favourite personality type system is Myers-Briggs.

    I do think we can give processes that will help people access their inner wisdom – though a variety of these will be needed to.

    It will be a great day when we can share what we have learnt and no one is looking for gurus.

    Thanks for this post.

  12. Evan says

    January 20, 2010 at 8:50 pm

    Some marketers do qualifying of leads (ie. this is for you if . . ., this is not for you if . . . ). I like this lots more than the one size fits all approach.

    My favourite personality type system is Myers-Briggs.

    I do think we can give processes that will help people access their inner wisdom – though a variety of these will be needed to.

    It will be a great day when we can share what we have learnt and no one is looking for gurus.

    Thanks for this post.

  13. Tony Teegarden says

    January 20, 2010 at 9:34 pm

    I agree Evan. Some DO do that qualify them. (In my case i like to disqualifying them) I’m familiar Myers-Briggs as well. It’s very important to understand and be able to connect with personalities, or more importantly **People**
    Unfortunately I’m not sure the day will come that all people look inwards for their wisdom but it’s certainly something to aspire to. Thanks for your input my friend.

  14. Tony Teegarden says

    January 20, 2010 at 9:34 pm

    I agree Evan. Some DO do that qualify them. (In my case i like to disqualifying them) I’m familiar Myers-Briggs as well. It’s very important to understand and be able to connect with personalities, or more importantly **People**
    Unfortunately I’m not sure the day will come that all people look inwards for their wisdom but it’s certainly something to aspire to. Thanks for your input my friend.

  15. Andre says

    January 21, 2010 at 3:57 am

    Agree with what you say Tony. There is no one size fits all or magic bullet. Personal development (and spirituality too) is a unique process for each person. Each ‘guru’ is simply sharing what works for them – they’re sharing the ‘lens’ with which they view the world. Each person’s journey is unique, so to follow blindly is limiting because you’re walking the guru’s path instead your own path.

    I think every person you meet is a teacher. Provided you are clear about your vision (the life you are designing), whenever you feel inspired by someone, it is a clue of valuable nuggets waiting for you. These nuggets are to be integrated into your own wisdom and bring you closer to your vision.

    I love the powerful question you posed at the end of the post, as it is very easily applicable:
    β€œWill this course, will this book, will this audio, will this seminar will this mentor session contribute to my over all picture of the life I am designing?”

    Thanks for sharing your light Tony.

    Peace & Blessings,
    Andre

  16. Andre says

    January 21, 2010 at 3:57 am

    Agree with what you say Tony. There is no one size fits all or magic bullet. Personal development (and spirituality too) is a unique process for each person. Each ‘guru’ is simply sharing what works for them – they’re sharing the ‘lens’ with which they view the world. Each person’s journey is unique, so to follow blindly is limiting because you’re walking the guru’s path instead your own path.

    I think every person you meet is a teacher. Provided you are clear about your vision (the life you are designing), whenever you feel inspired by someone, it is a clue of valuable nuggets waiting for you. These nuggets are to be integrated into your own wisdom and bring you closer to your vision.

    I love the powerful question you posed at the end of the post, as it is very easily applicable:
    β€œWill this course, will this book, will this audio, will this seminar will this mentor session contribute to my over all picture of the life I am designing?”

    Thanks for sharing your light Tony.

    Peace & Blessings,
    Andre

  17. Tony Teegarden says

    January 22, 2010 at 1:36 am

    Thanks Andre for the response man. I love your insight that everyone we meet is a teacher. Many people are reflecting our fears, our desires or our frustrations that we neglect to see within ourselves. There for we project them onto that person. Different concept for many people to grasp but one I do believe in. Many people are in our path to share a lesson regardless of their position. Good stuff brother Glad you enjoyed the article! Let me know when you post something new!

    Love & Light my brother.

  18. Tony Teegarden says

    January 22, 2010 at 1:36 am

    Thanks Andre for the response man. I love your insight that everyone we meet is a teacher. Many people are reflecting our fears, our desires or our frustrations that we neglect to see within ourselves. There for we project them onto that person. Different concept for many people to grasp but one I do believe in. Many people are in our path to share a lesson regardless of their position. Good stuff brother Glad you enjoyed the article! Let me know when you post something new!

    Love & Light my brother.

  19. Therese Miu says

    January 22, 2010 at 5:12 pm

    This is so POWERFUL ” you put too much stock into one person, I don’t care who it is, you give up your personal power” SO TRUE!!!
    I appreciate this post so very much Tony. I, myself, have been going through much a similar journey and this was truly refreshing to read. I once read before that “when you share your wisdom, experiences, and gifts to the world You are actually building a legacy.” I truly resonated with that and ran with that mindset with my blog. I was hoping to SHARE and SPREAD message of light & love. I do agree with you though that I’m not looking for cult of followers rather than being on this journey of learning and growing.

    If you spell GURU backwards it is “ur are ur own guru” So Interesting!!!

    I too am still connecting my dot. I am however so INCREDIBLY HAPPY to have found people like you that adds so much to this world.

    Thanks for another incredible post!

    I will make sure to share….

    Thanks for all that You DO πŸ™‚

  20. Therese Miu says

    January 22, 2010 at 5:12 pm

    This is so POWERFUL ” you put too much stock into one person, I don’t care who it is, you give up your personal power” SO TRUE!!!
    I appreciate this post so very much Tony. I, myself, have been going through much a similar journey and this was truly refreshing to read. I once read before that “when you share your wisdom, experiences, and gifts to the world You are actually building a legacy.” I truly resonated with that and ran with that mindset with my blog. I was hoping to SHARE and SPREAD message of light & love. I do agree with you though that I’m not looking for cult of followers rather than being on this journey of learning and growing.

    If you spell GURU backwards it is “ur are ur own guru” So Interesting!!!

    I too am still connecting my dot. I am however so INCREDIBLY HAPPY to have found people like you that adds so much to this world.

    Thanks for another incredible post!

    I will make sure to share….

    Thanks for all that You DO πŸ™‚

  21. Tony Teegarden says

    January 22, 2010 at 6:12 pm

    So gad it resonated with you Therese. I’m very grateful for our new friendship and am excited for your many blessings that are in store for 2010. It’s so funny because this post actually scared the crap out of me to push “publish” on and it’s seemed to resonated people on a tremendous level lol. Just goes to say we need to walk into what we fear the most.

    Thank you and much love to you my friend!

  22. Tony Teegarden says

    January 22, 2010 at 6:12 pm

    So gad it resonated with you Therese. I’m very grateful for our new friendship and am excited for your many blessings that are in store for 2010. It’s so funny because this post actually scared the crap out of me to push “publish” on and it’s seemed to resonated people on a tremendous level lol. Just goes to say we need to walk into what we fear the most.

    Thank you and much love to you my friend!

  23. Therese Miu says

    January 22, 2010 at 8:52 pm

    Dr. William Glasser, author of many books including Every Student Can Succeed, spent years studying how people learn. He found out we Learn…
    10% of what we read
    20% of what we hear
    30% of what we see
    50% of what we see and hear
    70% of what we discuss with others
    80% of what we experience personally
    95% of what we teach someone else.

    I thought that was interesting……

  24. Therese Miu says

    January 22, 2010 at 8:52 pm

    Dr. William Glasser, author of many books including Every Student Can Succeed, spent years studying how people learn. He found out we Learn…
    10% of what we read
    20% of what we hear
    30% of what we see
    50% of what we see and hear
    70% of what we discuss with others
    80% of what we experience personally
    95% of what we teach someone else.

    I thought that was interesting……

  25. tony says

    January 22, 2010 at 10:35 pm

    Yes yes yes! Thank you for that wonderful reminder πŸ™‚

  26. tony says

    January 22, 2010 at 10:35 pm

    Yes yes yes! Thank you for that wonderful reminder πŸ™‚

  27. Rose Goddess says

    February 3, 2010 at 8:28 pm

    WOW!!! Thank you Tony! This is my first visit to your blog and I love you already! You know that we are all equal and we are all on this journey together.

  28. Rose Goddess says

    February 3, 2010 at 8:28 pm

    WOW!!! Thank you Tony! This is my first visit to your blog and I love you already! You know that we are all equal and we are all on this journey together.

  29. tony says

    February 3, 2010 at 9:16 pm

    Thanks Debbie! I read your “About You” on your blog (Actually a lot of your blog) and love the work you’re doing. Great stuff! We’ve got lots in common. I’m so glad you stopped by and connected! You so rock already too πŸ˜‰

  30. tony says

    February 3, 2010 at 9:16 pm

    Thanks Debbie! I read your “About You” on your blog (Actually a lot of your blog) and love the work you’re doing. Great stuff! We’ve got lots in common. I’m so glad you stopped by and connected! You so rock already too πŸ˜‰

  31. Slackermom says

    April 27, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    Great post Tony. I just wrote yesterday on wanting to be needed. I realized that I need to acknowledge that desire so I can protect myself against doing things that aren't in my best interest just to be needed. Like you, I want to help people. Preferably, I want to help them help themselves. I'm seeing more and more that the way to do that is to connect with people on a very human level. I'm not finding help on my own path from people who portray themselves as having found THE answer. I'm finding help from people like you – people who can admit that they don't have all the answers and that they're scared sometimes to put themselves out there. Thanks for sharing a real part of yourself.

  32. Tony Teegarden says

    April 27, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    Awesome share. Thank you a bunch.

    Everyone deals with their own insecurities and self image stuff. I know I do
    just on a different level myself.

    Being real is the only way I know to be. It works for me and I carry the
    baggage around a lot less.

    Thank you again πŸ™‚

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Connect On G+

Important Pages

  • HOME
  • THE STORY
  • BLOG
  • PODCAST
  • CASE STUDY
  • CONTACT
  • Privacy Statement

Recent Posts

  • Jonathan Greye: 5 Ways Conscious Entrepreneurs Can Ignite Their Brand TPIP:0061
  • Alex J Moscow: Small Events And Big Profits Masterclass TPIP:0060
  • Russ Ruffino: 7 Figure Coaching Systems Masterclass Episode: 0059
  • Sheri Rosenthal: Plan, Fill, & Profit w/ Transformational Retreats Episode 0058
  • Katerina Satori: Being An Evolutionary Leader Masterclass TPIP:0057

© Copyright 2014 - Tony Teegarden Media Inc.