Ever wonder how all those super successful people got to where they are? What’s their secret recipe for success? Well, get ready to find out as we dive into Ben Nemtin’s amazing journey in this Amplify Recap Blog.
Meet Ben Nemtin: Dream Chaser
Let me introduce you to our rockstar speaker, Ben Nemtin, the second-best motivational speaker in the world. Back in 2006, Ben and his crew from Victoria, British Columbia, came up with something epic called The Buried Life. Their mission? To conquer 100 dreams before kicking the bucket. And every tick off their list meant helping a stranger check off theirs too!
A Snapshot of Ben’s Adventures:
- Hit the number one spot on the New York Times bestseller list.
- Scored their own MTV show.
- Shared couch space with the legendary Oprah.
- Reunited a long-lost father-son duo after 17 years.
- Gifted a young lady a bionic arm, changing her life forever.
Unlocking Success: Ben Nemtin's Journey
Back in Victoria, BC, Canada, fresh out of high school, Ben Nemtin was on cloud nine. Graduation, check. A spot on the under-19 national rugby team, double check. But despite the highs, anxiety started creeping in. Fear of failure haunted him, especially after a missed kick in a crucial game.
Anxiety turned into depression, leading Ben to drop out of university, lose his rugby scholarship, and retreat into isolation. It was a scary time, with sleepless nights and overwhelming pressure. However, a hope emerged when friends encouraged Ben to join them for a summer job. Slowly, he began to open up about his struggles and found inspiration in others who had faced similar challenges.
The Turning Point: The Buried Life
Enter Johnny, a filmmaker with a shared desire to chase dreams. Inspired by an old poem, they formed a pact: tackle their buried dreams head-on. The Bucket List was born.
Despite doubts and limited resources, Ben and his friends hustled. Working two jobs, fundraising, and securing a beat-up RV, they hit the road to tackle their list and help others.
As word spread, strangers reached out with their dreams, sparking a ripple effect of support and purpose. For the first time, Ben felt a sense of purpose, realizing that pursuing dreams, no matter how daunting, could lead to fulfillment and connection.
Dreaming Big, Going Bigger
The journey didn’t stop with a two-week road trip – it evolved. Ben and his friends decided to extend their adventure to two months and tackle even bigger dreams. With determination, they committed to making it happen. Along the way, they encountered Trudy, a woman facing terminal cancer. Her selfless wish inspired them to help others, leading to heartwarming moments like taking terminally ill children on a shopping spree.
From failed attempts to play basketball with President Obama to a personal tour of the White House, Ben and his friends embodied relentless determination. They learned that even in the face of rejection, perseverance is key. As Ben stated, “Because you know, challenges are a constant. And you surely will hit more challenges moving forward. But, just like this story, you can hit challenges all day long. You can get one no, two no’s, five no’s, twenty no’s. Sometimes you’re just looking for that one yes. So you’re not done until you get your yes.”
The Ripple Effect of Pursuing Passions
Ben shares how pursuing your passions brings personal fulfillment and inspires others to do the same. By living authentically, you permit for others to do so too.
Recognizing Your Impact
Even in the automotive industry, where the impact may seem indirect, every repair or service contributes to individuals’ lives’ well-being. It’s essential to remember the positive ripple effect of your work.
Ben highlights how AutoLeap aims to streamline your business operations so you can allocate more time to activities that bring you joy. Whether spending time with family, pursuing personal passions, or focusing on crucial aspects of your business, AutoLeap wants to empower you to be your best self both in and out of the shop.
Five Steps to Making the Impossible Possible
Ben outlines five steps to turn aspirations into achievements:
- Write Your Bucket List: Documenting your goals creates accountability and helps clarify what’s truly important to you.
- Share Your List: Sharing your aspirations creates external accountability and opens doors to unexpected opportunities.
- Persist: Persistence is key; don’t be deterred by setbacks or rejections.
- Be Brave: Overcome the fear of failure and judgment by embracing discomfort as a sign of growth.
- Give Back: Contributing to others’ well-being creates lasting fulfillment and strengthens your sense of purpose.
Wrapping Up
Ben wrapped things up by telling us his fantastic news: a documentary about their journey, the Buried Life, will come out in the Summer of 2025.
He gave us a neat trick to think about: imagine yourself at 90 and ask if you’re happy with how you’re spending your time. If not, that’s okay. Instead, ask your older self what would make you happy. It’s different for everyone; even small actions can make a big difference. And remember, one thing you won’t regret is asking yourself, “What do I want to do before I die?” In the busyness of life, it’s easy to forget what’s important. But by taking time to think, prioritize, and go after your dreams, you can have a life full of meaning and happiness. So, take those little steps and live each day with purpose.
