Message From The Middle Of Nowhere

1. Embrace Mistakes: They Pave the Way for Success

“This is alright, this will only make my book even better.”

Mistakes are learning opportunities. The author views mistakes and life-changing events as valuable content for his book, highlighting the importance of seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth. This perspective reframes failures as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.

Turning adversity into advantage. The author's life is filled with examples of turning adversity into advantage. From the volcanic eruption that jumpstarted his sales career to personal losses that fueled his determination, he consistently finds ways to extract value from challenging situations.

• The eruption in Westman Islands became a sales opportunity.
• Personal losses inspired him to live life to the fullest.

The power of reframing. By reframing mistakes as learning experiences, the author maintains a positive outlook and fuels his drive to succeed. This mindset allows him to persevere through difficult times and emerge stronger.

2. Location is Key: Seize Opportunities Where You Find Them

“When The Eruption Starts, Location Is Everything”

Strategic positioning. The author emphasizes the importance of being in the right place at the right time, both literally and figuratively. His early success as a paperboy stemmed from securing a prime location outside the national bank, demonstrating the power of strategic positioning.

Adapting to circumstances. The author's ability to adapt to changing circumstances is evident in his various ventures. Whether it's selling newspapers during a volcanic eruption or finding new markets for vacuum cleaners, he consistently identifies and seizes opportunities where he finds them.

• Selling newspapers during the Westman Islands eruption.
• Finding new markets for vacuum cleaners in rural Iceland.

The power of observation. By paying attention to his surroundings and identifying unmet needs, the author is able to capitalize on emerging opportunities. This proactive approach allows him to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge.

3. Harness the Power of Asking: You'll Never Know Unless You Try

“If you don’t ask the question, the answer will always be no.”

Directness and clarity. The author advocates for directness and clarity in communication, particularly when it comes to asking for what you want. His childhood habit of asking visitors for spare change demonstrates the power of straightforwardness.

Overcoming fear of rejection. The author's willingness to ask for what he wants stems from his ability to overcome the fear of rejection. He understands that the worst-case scenario is simply hearing "no," which leaves him no worse off than before.

• Asking visitors for spare change as a child.
• Approaching the "Troll" for reinforcement.

Creating opportunities. By asking questions and seeking out information, the author creates opportunities that would otherwise not exist. This proactive approach allows him to expand his network, gain valuable insights, and ultimately achieve his goals.

4. Cultivate Resilience: Get Back on the Horse

“If you fall from your horse, climb back on it and carry on.”

Embracing failure as a learning experience. The author views failure as an inevitable part of the entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and moving forward. This mindset allows him to persevere through setbacks and emerge stronger.

The importance of perseverance. The author's life is filled with examples of perseverance in the face of adversity. From his early struggles as a salesman to his financial setbacks in Greece, he consistently demonstrates the ability to bounce back from difficult situations.

• Continuing to sell newspapers despite threats from "The Newspaper King."
• Returning to Iceland after his Greek venture failed.

Maintaining a positive attitude. By maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on solutions rather than problems, the author is able to overcome challenges and achieve his goals. This mindset allows him to stay motivated and inspired, even in the face of adversity.

5. Money is Neutral: It's a Tool, Not a Master

“Money is not good or bad. Money is neutral.”

Money as a means to an end. The author emphasizes that money is neither inherently good nor evil, but rather a tool that can be used for positive or negative purposes. This perspective allows him to view money as a resource to be managed wisely rather than an end in itself.

The importance of financial literacy. The author advocates for financial literacy, emphasizing the need to understand how money works and how to manage it effectively. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions and achieve financial freedom.

• Learning the value of hard work and earning money at a young age.
• Investing in himself through education and travel.

Avoiding negative attitudes towards money. The author cautions against adopting negative attitudes towards money, as these can hinder financial success. By viewing money as a neutral tool, individuals can overcome limiting beliefs and create a more positive relationship with wealth.

6. Face Your Fears: Trolls Can Become Gnomes

“The giant in your path can turn into a gnome if you have a troll on your side.”

Confronting challenges head-on. The author emphasizes the importance of facing fears and challenges head-on, rather than avoiding them. This proactive approach allows him to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals.

Seeking support and reinforcement. The author's story of enlisting the help of a "troll" to overcome the "gnome" demonstrates the power of seeking support and reinforcement when facing challenges. By surrounding himself with capable allies, he is able to overcome obstacles that would otherwise seem insurmountable.

• Enlisting the help of a "troll" to overcome "The Newspaper King."
• Seeking advice and guidance from mentors and experts.

Transforming obstacles into opportunities. By reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, the author is able to maintain a positive outlook and fuel his drive to succeed. This mindset allows him to see potential where others see only obstacles.

7. The Power of a Strong "Why": Fueling Your Goals

“Figure out what you want and WHY you want it.”

Purpose-driven action. The author emphasizes the importance of having a strong "why" behind your goals, as this provides the motivation and drive needed to overcome obstacles and achieve success. This sense of purpose fuels his actions and keeps him focused on his objectives.

Connecting goals to values. By connecting his goals to his core values, the author is able to maintain a sense of purpose and meaning in his work. This alignment allows him to stay motivated and inspired, even when facing challenges.

• His desire to provide for his family motivated him to succeed in sales.
• His passion for helping others led him to become a sales trainer.

The power of visualization. The author advocates for visualizing your goals and the positive outcomes that will result from achieving them. This mental exercise helps to reinforce your commitment and maintain a positive outlook.

8. Honesty and Integrity: The Foundation of Lasting Success

“Keep your honesty intact, it will return to you many times over.”

Building trust and credibility. The author emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, particularly in business. By maintaining a reputation for trustworthiness, he is able to build strong relationships and achieve lasting success.

Avoiding shortcuts and unethical behavior. The author cautions against taking shortcuts or engaging in unethical behavior, as these can ultimately undermine your reputation and lead to long-term consequences. He believes that honesty is always the best policy, even when it's difficult.

• Refusing to engage in bribery in Greece.
• Maintaining ethical sales practices, even when facing financial pressure.

Long-term perspective. By prioritizing honesty and integrity, the author is able to build a sustainable business and maintain a positive reputation over the long term. This approach allows him to weather storms and emerge stronger.

9. Continuous Self-Improvement: Never Stop Learning

“Always keep investing in yourself, your knowledge and your skills.”

The pursuit of knowledge. The author is a lifelong learner, constantly seeking out new information and skills to improve himself and his business. This commitment to continuous self-improvement allows him to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing circumstances.

Embracing new technologies and approaches. The author's willingness to embrace new technologies and approaches is evident in his various ventures. From his early adoption of mobile phones to his embrace of online learning, he consistently seeks out innovative ways to improve his business.

• Learning Greek through homemade linguaphone tapes.
• Embracing online learning and building a discount website.

The value of mentorship and guidance. The author recognizes the value of mentorship and guidance, seeking out advice from experts and role models throughout his career. This willingness to learn from others allows him to accelerate his growth and avoid common pitfalls.

10. Gratitude and Perspective: Finding Joy in the Journey

“Our life situation really doesn’t matter, it’s how we respond to it that does.”

Appreciating the present moment. The author emphasizes the importance of appreciating the present moment and finding joy in the journey, rather than constantly striving for future goals. This mindset allows him to maintain a sense of contentment and fulfillment, even in the face of challenges.

Maintaining a positive outlook. The author's ability to maintain a positive outlook, even in difficult times, is a key factor in his success. By focusing on the good things in his life and maintaining a sense of gratitude, he is able to overcome obstacles and achieve his goals.

• Finding joy in simple things, like playing cards with his grandmother.
• Maintaining a sense of humor, even when facing financial setbacks.

The power of perspective. By maintaining a broader perspective and recognizing the relative insignificance of his own problems, the author is able to stay grounded and avoid getting bogged down in negativity. This mindset allows him to see the bigger picture and maintain a sense of purpose.

11. The Strength of Icelandic Women: A Legacy of Empowerment

“You might even claim that this is the fundamental reason for the strength of Icelandic women and how much we have achieved regarding gender equality.”

Historical context of Icelandic women's roles. The author highlights the historical strength and resilience of Icelandic women, who traditionally managed households and farms while men were at sea. This historical context has contributed to a culture of gender equality and empowerment.

Vigdís Finnbogadóttir: A symbol of progress. The author proudly mentions Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, the world's first democratically elected female president, as a symbol of Icelandic women's achievements and leadership. Her dedication to language and culture further exemplifies the nation's values.

• Vigdís Finnbogadóttir's presidency from 1980-1996.
• The Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute of Foreign Languages.

Continuing the legacy. The author expresses his pride in the inner strength of Icelandic women and their ongoing contributions to society. He sees their legacy as a source of inspiration and a testament to the power of gender equality.

Last updated: February 9, 2025