Pro-active "Rites of Passage". Anyone here ever had one in their life?

[PhoenixFlames]

Hi guys

I've noticed a common re-occuring theme among people who have achieved great things in their life in that they by found themselves, their purpose in life, spirituality, great wealth, political ideas and changed their life by following a "rite of passage".

They did something daring, went travelling or took part in some competative event such as Sailing the World Solo, spent years preparing for and competing in a Mr Olympia Bodybuilding Event (Arnold Swarzenegger), went on a Road Trip (Che Guevara- not a good example in my opinion), joined the Hippy Trail before making Millions during a Dot.com boom (Jeff Benzo- Amazon.com founder) or spent the first 15 years of his school leaving life getting kicked out of the Armed Forces, frolicking on a beach drinking beer before deciding he wanted to become a self made Entreprenuer (Duncan Bannatyne- UK Multi Millionaire, and Dragons Den TV Star).


It seems that against normal convention they did something rebellious and spent their time focusing on something they genuinely in their true heart of hearts enjoyed, (no matter what their Teachers, Parents, First Employers, Governments thought) to go onto even greater things.

Arnold Swazenegger (whatever you think of his politics or policies) became a Mr Olympia 7 times winner, A-list Movie Star, Cultural Icon, Fitness Guru and Government Advisor for Sports Science, Film Producer, Businessman, Philontrphist and finally a Politician.
Intially some people doubted him as wasting his time down the Gym, looking at other men's bodies for inspiration, calling his past-time pointless, saying he should get a desk job from the offset etc.

I believe it was this rebellious streak, combined with travelling the world, staying true to yourself, following your goals and ideals, keeping focused on your goal no matter what- that meant once you had found success in one area. You could then transfer it to another unrelated career- because you had internalised the success principles.


So has anyone here had their rite of passage, or considered following one. If so what was it?
Were you a former Hell's Angel- who became a respectable businessman afterwards?
Did you travel the world penniless, end up in debt- before using your experiences of world travel to find your purpose in life.
Or did you spend years Drawing, Designing, Programming, Inventing something that people said would never work- or wasn't worthwhile- only for you to make Money off the idea and get Employed for your passion?

[Eduard E]

Sounds to me like all these people did something which transformed them, helped them become better persons, develop more confidence, more wisdom, or some other important traits which prepared them for success. Very interesting. At one point, I was fascinated by the initiation rituals in some tribal cultures, which kind of had the same effect. Like sending a boy out to hunt a lion, as his initiation into becoming a man.

I think these kind of experience can help a lot. This is why a encourage people to live outside the box, do unconventional things. I also think you don't necessarily need to kill a lion or do something that dramatic. There are a lot of more down to earth ways to transform yourself.

[InnerChallenge]

These people you mention all have one thing in common: They found something they were passionate about! Traveling the world or joining the Hippy Trail (no idea what that is) might have been a trigger for them, but it isn't what made them successful. Not everyone who travels the world, does something crazy or gets kicked out of the armed forces will be successful. These people are the exception rather than the rule.
Life is al about living with passion!