I find it so interesting how so many people have so much to offer; yet for some reason they don’t see the potential of it all.
Let me share a story that I think many can relate to. Las Vegas, I remember seeing the bright lights; I remember thinking “it must cost millions to power this city.” I was shocked at how inviting it was, it seemed like all of my senses were suddenly alive. My eyes couldn’t scan the landscape fast enough, my ears couldn’t keep up with the sounds; I loved the hot air on my skin even though it was late at night I was so caught up in the experience, I felt like I could smell and taste the glitz and glamour. I had driven about 6 hours with some friends and after sitting in a car that long with other people, the sights and sounds were a jolt to my system, and I hadn’t even walked into a casino yet. The mystique was all so true. Just like the millions of other visitors, I was there to put my money on the table and get involved in some games. It seemed so familiar since I had seen it on so many movies. Nothing could’ve prepared me for the adventures that waited just behind those casino doors. Trying to remain calm, I walked in to the bright lights and the sounds, each machine singing, coins falling from slot machines, conversations between dealers and players and those in the crowd.
I felt overwhelmed as I approached a table and realized that I was just about to put my hard earned money in the hands of total stranger. I was greatly relieved as we exchanged money for “chips.” The casino chips were a bit heavier than the plastic ones I had used when gaming at friend’s houses’. These chips must have some serious value, or did they? I pondered, once I left this casino, did I know if I could use them to purchase a hamburger at a fast food restaurant, or use them on a table at a different casino? Ah that didn’t matter, I knew I’d win more chips and be able to cash them in at the many strategically placed exchange stations, and get my hard earned cash back, plus more. I overheard people talking about how close they were to winning that hand, and even some that were celebrating having actually won. Even though there were many more people complaining about their loses, I was optimistic about my chances and felt I’d be one of the relatively few people to have success.
With such a great outlook and attitude, I started to miss my cash less and less. My fear of losing actual cash subsided as I allowed myself to believe that the chips on the table and in my hands weren’t real money. Obviously, it became easier and easier to put the chips on the table and see it taken away by that greedy dealer. After losing all the money I had taken with me, I found I was trying to convince myself that I had “paid” for the entertainment. I didn’t realize how much I had lost; after all, they were only chips right?
How did I give my hard earned cash, something that had value, for chips that by the end of my trip I wasn’t seeing as valuable as I put them on the table? It has been stated on Wikipedia, “…it is observed that consumers gamble more freely with replacement currencies than with cash.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poker_chips)
How do cash vs. chip value apply to trading on this website? I was left to believe that the chips had no value; they were only good for that particular casino and I wasn’t being paid in chips back home. I was led to believe that these chips weren’t as valuable as real money because they were so easily disposable. Yet, stamped on the face each chip I was told the value; which if cashed in is what I would be paid.
So many people have things to offer, or services that can be rendered. Over time; however, they’ve been convinced that it isn’t worth anything. The person who made a career change that was once an accountant; possesses knowledge of a service, which has value and can be used. A mechanic who knows how to repair a car possesses worth. If the accountant needs his car fixed and the mechanic needs his books worked, they can trade each other their services. Each service has a value to the one who needs it, but why spend your hard earned money when you can trade for the things you need?
This website provides a vehicle to find others who want what you have and are willing to trade what you want or need to get it. YOU decide the worth of what you possess. The possibilities are limitless, it doesn’t matter if it’s your profession, hobby, talent, items you possess, and all hold value, value that can be offered and traded here. Don’t fall victim as I did, to believing those chips didn’t have value. Understand that your hobby has value or a former career has value. Each of these things can be used by you to get things you need and in some cases things you weren’t aware that you needed until you got it, simply by putting value to things or talents you have, and trading it here.

As I’ve embarked on the concept of trading, I’ve been surprised at the limits or lack of limits. I’m going to make an attempt at explaining. When I first thought of trading, I only allowed myself to be aware of the obvious things. I thought of the stereo stuff I could trade, or the tattoos I once traded for many different things. I haven’t tattooed in a couple years and I’ve found that I’m allowing myself to be defined by my current profession.

I think it’s unfortunate that so many people have so many good skills, but they’ve allowed themselves to be defined by the job they’re currently doing. Why do we not give credit to all the time we’ve spent throughout the years in the many things and experiences that we’ve had throughout life. Why have I let myself be defined by what I’m doing right now as a job and not taking advantage of having years of experience of doing tattoos? What about the person who had a serious hobby playing pool, but they are only known for, and defined by, their job as computer programmer? Or in the example I’ve used in another blog, the person that has years of education as an English major, but since they haven’t gotten that diploma, they haven’t allowed themselves the credit of those years of education. And more importantly, taken advantage of those years. They’re now being defined by that piece of paper that’s received at graduation, telling them that the many years of study and hard work now have value. I believe there’s value to that education even before the piece of paper comes and graduation arrives.

I’m disappointed when I think of the person that now does one thing to support themselves, but forgets the many years of doing and learning other things that can add to the makeup of that person. I beg that you don’t allow your life to be seen through a microscope and only be defined by what’s able to fit in the here and now. Look at the years of knowledge that have been gathered. The best part about redefining oneself; we won’t fall into an everyday rut. Life can be dynamic, it can have new challenges. We no longer teach guitar lessons because we weren’t getting a financial gain from it. You still play the guitar regularly, why not trade lessons for something else.

Don’t be confined to what you do in the present. Look at the many things and jobs you’ve done in the past and use that knowledge and experience from the past and present to your advantage and get onto trading.

I am fascinated by the idea of two people getting into a cage and watching one somehow find a way to defeat the other person. I saw my first UFC fight over 10 years ago. I was at a bachelor party with my brothers and someone brought over a VHS of some cage matches. I was nearly completely uninformed about what was going on, I just figured it was a fight in a cage, and fighters did pretty much anything to win by using any number of martial arts and street fighting techniques. Over the years the sport has evolved and it has become a world wide billion-dollar business.

About four years ago my interest in the cage fighting sport got me involved in training which eventually led me into the cage myself. Since then I have not only enjoyed training but coaching and cornering other fighters. During my years of training I’ve met some really great life long friends and I’ve enjoyed the challenges of competition including setting and reaching various goals. Here are 3 things that I think helped in motivating me to get in the  cage and I believe can be tools to help you to start getting satisfaction out of trading:

1. Maximize your time!
I had the privilege to train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under a world renowned instructor with almost 40 years experience. I also trained with, a now 2 time world grappling champion. I learned quickly that I would only improve if I put in the time on the mat and drilled the skills I had learned. It’s important that you make the most of your spare time. If you spend all day at work fixing computers and when you get home you play guitar, why not maximize your guitar playing time by trading guitar lessons for something you want? If you work hard all day, and relax by hitting some golf balls, why not teach a few lessons for trade of something you want?
2. You don’t need to be the best!
I often get twisted up and taught a lesson while I train and I don’t expect that to change anytime soon. This isn’t due to my unwillingness or lack of desire to work hard and better myself; in fact I love to challenge myself and I’m constantly training with people who are much better then me. However, I feel that I don’t allow my ego to dictate my progress. Maybe you’re not the best at racquetball, but there just might be someone on our site that simply wants to learn the basics and the rules. You certainly can trade your knowledge of the game for something you want. You might not be an acclaimed body builder, but your college minor in physical fitness could be utilized to help someone who knows nothing about weight training or proper diet. Not being the best has never deterred me from trying to learn more and continue my training. Just because you aren’t the absolute best or the top notch in a particular field, doesn’t mean that you can’t use what you do know to trade with someone that needs the amount of knowledge that you have to offer.
3. Enjoy yourself!
After training and learning the cage fighting rules I was anxious to put my skill set to the test. As I look back at the times I got in the cage, I now realize that I was almost too relaxed. Before each fight, I had spent so much time thinking about the fight and the “what ifs,” but I had worked hard and felt it was time to enjoy myself. I knew I had done all I could to prepare myself to succeed. This is your chance to trade your past, and current skills for things with other people. Enjoy the experiences you’ll have through trading. Most importantly, Don’t be Afraid to Get Involved!