How to Be a PIMP

I love blaxploitation flicks, especially Willie Dynamite and The Mack. I'll admit I was hypnotized by the lavish lifestyle and the word manipulation of these fictional pimps. They were hustlers, preying on weak lost souls with their sophisticated lyrics designed to control the mind. That control resulted in a monetary gain for the pimp and mental anguish for the "trick." But in the end, even Willie and Goldie both suffered. They were forced to reevaluate their own "games". The message was loud and clear...when you try to pimp others, you usually end up getting pimped yourself. You can't make it to the top riding the backs of others or laying underneath them, for that matter. It's not about sex - its life, a mindset. At some point in life, we've all been 'pimped'...that friend who uses you for what you're worth, that dead end job that's going nowhere fast, that high maintenance lifestyle you're trying to live on a shoestring budget and so on. One thing I know for sure: you can pimp yourself for success in four easy steps.

Plan: Think about where you are and where you want to be and how you plan to get there. Do you want to simply survive or really live? Spend quality time investigating and start preparing for your brand new life.

Invest -Find out what you need to do and do it. Nothing comes without some sort of personal investment. Start reading about what you want to do. Chances are there is someone already doing it successfully read his/her story. Scrutinize what s/he did to attain the goal. Don't waste time trying to recreate the wheel. Mingle with like minds and lose dead weight. Sometimes we outgrow our circle of friends and they may not support your new endeavors. Don't worry it happens, if you're lucky you're friends may decide to explore a new way of doings by observing you. Also, join a few groups and learn the art of social networking, make all small talk count for something. If you need to take a class, take it. If you can't afford it, read about it or volunteer your time for some experience. Set mini-goals and write those goals down.

Monitor: Examine your progress thoroughly. Keep track of your goals and celebrate your growth. Remember, you are a work in progress. This isn't an overnight process. It's important to keep your eyes on the prize, no matter how long it may seem.

Prosper - With each step, each goal you reach, know that you are getting closer! Flourish in this, eat, sleep and breathe your dream.

Remember consistency is the key. If you fall off, get back up and keep it moving. Don't lose sight of your dream. You're working for self now - Brand You, Inc.! Nothing worth having comes easily or quickly. With discipline, strength of mind and a little elbow grease, you can live a prosperous life. Stop sleeping on your dreams and PIMP yourself!