The doctor told Joe that he was dying.
But Joe had had enough of doctors, and was a grizzled entrepreneur, used to going against the grain, besides.
So he figured he’d discuss his situation with his friend Sam, instead.
His bones felt tired, but his pants rustled listlessly against the smooth leather of his friend’s couch.
“Look, Joe, you’re a smart guy. In fact, you kind of inspired me to build my empire, but I don’t know what to tell you.” Sam said apologetically.
Joe didn’t reply right away. ‘How did I get here?’ he thought. He’d expected so much more from his life. He’d never expected to be sitting nervously in his friend’s mansion, while his own sticker-selling company lurched along like a zombie. It was dying too, along with Joe.
‘Nobody will miss it, unless I can somehow make something of it before it’s too late.’ Joe grimaced as the reality hit him.
And like, it’s not as if he didn’t try. He read self-help books. He studied business. He made good money for a while. Got married. He did everything you’re supposed to do. So why was he so plateau’d? His passion for business gone. Failed to write his memoirs. His body frail, looking decades older than his age.
“C’mon Sam, it’s a valuable, worthy company to buy. My wife’s gone. I have no kids. The company will disappear when I do. Please, help me leave a legacy.“
Sam sighed.
Joe knew Sam cared about him, but it was clear he wouldn’t take StickerCo. off his hands. Why would he?
“Man, I dunno Joe. Let me make us some more coffee and I’ll think about it.” Sam picked up the cups and left the room.
Joe’s heart sunk, and his head drooped, and his gaze came to rest on one of Sam’s coffee-table books. The title read ‘Eyes Wide Open’ by ‘J-Ryze.’ It seemed to vibrate, as if calling to him. Joe reached underneath the table’s glass pane and picked it up. It felt good in his hand as he opened the first glossy black page. Weird, it seemed to be a self-help book? He’d barely read the foreword, when Sam returned with coffee.
“I’ve thought it through, over and over–“
“–and you’re just not interested in stickers, I get it.”
“Yeah, you know it’s nothing personal–“
“Yep, I figured as much. It’s fine. Thanks for listening. But you mind if I skip the coffee? I gotta take off.”
“Sure Joe, all good.”
“Thanks, and hey, you mind if I borrow this book?”
“By all means! I’m a bit surprised you mention it. That book changed my life. It literally re-wired my brain on s**t that matters. J-Ryze’s wisdom helped me make clearer decisions, see with fresh eyes, build my empire, rekindle my marriage, and find rock-climbing for fitness.”
“It sounds like an epic book that anyone would want, why so surprised I mentioned it?”
“Well, because even though it’s a compelling coffee-table book, people who’re feeling down usually gravitate away from it. It tends to attract people in more upbeat moods.”
“You’ve actually noticed a pattern?”
“Yeah, I leave it on my coffee table to see which person has an open enough mind for it. Most ignore it. Some pick it up, and then drop it on page five as if it’s on fire. Some start reading it here, and immediately order their own copy. You’re the only person who’s ever asked to take it out of my home.”
“Hmmm, I mean, I can leave it–“
“No, no, if you’re into it, it’s meant for you. That book played a huge role in who I am today. I’d love for you to read it.”
***
The next day Joe inhaled the entire book.
It was a short read with gorgeous pictures, and every word was made to count.
Regardless, he knew he’d be reading it again and again.
Because each page was like eating a full, satisfying meal…
…but for his mind.
Each page opened his eyes in major ways to things he’d taken for granted. Joe had had hundreds of conversations about money, fame, death, hustle, etc.
And those conversations never really got to the truth of things.
They were just people echoing society’s group-think.
J-Ryze tackled each subject with clarity, integrity, and precision. He revealed the truth. Joe realized this is what he’d needed his whole life. Because once he understood a topic, all his actions changed around it.
He read the page about monetization, and now understood how to revive his business. He made bold changes to StickerCo.
He read the page about sexual differences, and now understood women better than ever, giving him success in the dating market.
He read the page about the power of his cells, and now understood that he could be the exception to the ‘incurable patient.’
He began looking for better doctors, reading other authors like Joe Dispenza, and using the Wim Hof method of self-healing.
It was amazing that a handful of pages could elevate his perspectives that powerfully and direct him to so many leading-edge resources.
The book was a game-changer.
Joe breathed deep and clear.
Now, instead of feeling burdened and downtrodden, he felt hopeful and alive.
He knew his legacy had barely even begun, and he had a juicy adventure left to explore.
Joe was eager for whatever came next.