“All paths are the same: they lead nowhere. However, a path without a heart is never enjoyable.” -Carlos Castaneda
A strange phenomenon is taking place all around us right now.
It’s subtle, it’s still, and it’s unspoken.
It’s at the office, in the subway, and at the gym.
It eludes technology, science, and intellect.
Hardly anyone notices it, and if they do, they rarely remember it.
The phenomenon is this:
Most people live life as if they’re gonna be alive forever.
Because of this…
We discount our dreams and press pause on our passions.
We tell ourselves “one day” and “when the time is right”.
We choose certainty over growth, consequently disconnecting from our soul.
Then we wonder why “something’s missing” and we feel so anxious.
The reality is that there’s no such thing as certainty.
And you’re certainly not promised to be alive tomorrow – even when all signs indicate you will be.
I was painfully reminded of this truth by the recent passing-away of my buddy Scott Dinsmore.
When I found out he died, I immediately let my feelings out and onto Facebook:
Jacob Sokol · September 13 at 7:13pm · New York, NY ·
It’s with tears in my eyes that I write this. My heart is sunken and my reality is rocked. I just heard the news that my buddy Scott Dinsmore passed away on his world tour while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Scott was *over-the-top* helpful in getting me to live the life of my dreams (or as he would call it… live-my-legend).
When I took my first attempt at getting paid to embody the wisdom I’m so passionate about, I wrote a guide called Living On Purpose. In addition to sharing it with his community that was much larger than mine, Scott went out of his way to try and get me published on a huge blog his buddy ran.
When I first decided to try coaching, he got on the phone with me and told me everything he knew about it. In Dinsmore fashion, he hooked me up with a bunch of worksheets to send new clients.
I’ve met a lot of teachers, but few people’s work have inspired me as much as Scott’s. His Live Your Legend Local project is insane — creating communities worldwide and equipping his people with the tools to get paid to do work they love.
What a huge heart this guy had. I appreciate you for always advocating for me and my off-beat craziness and seeing the heart and soul in me.
Before I had my feet on a solid foundation, Scott was one of the few people who believed in me more than I believed in myself. In his eyes, I was destined to “make it” when I still wasn’t sure. I can’t begin to tell you how powerful that was for me. And how much hope that gave me amidst the immense uncertainty I was new to living in.
Buddy. My love to you, your family and friends. And there’s no fucking question that you left a hell of a legend behind.
Thank you, brother. Thank you.
—
In honor of Scott’s mission…
Scott’s mission was to help people do work they love, so I’d like to hook you up with an interview I did with Scott about that exact subject.
We also explore how to build great relationships with new mentors and what stops people from being successful.
You can grab that free of cost here:
How To Live Your Legend w/ Jacob Sokol and Scott Dinsmore
You can learn more about Scott’s work here and his tributes here.
If you’d like to share feeling or thought about death or Scott, you can do so in the comments below.
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I loved Scott and his message We never met but he was my friend just the same and I am devastated that he is gone. Thanks to Scott I am living my legend. My prayers are wirh h8s wife Chelsea and his family.
Thx for sharing, Danielle.
Thanks, Jacob for sending this along in your email. I never knew Scott, but listened to your interview with him. I was really inspired by what he had to say and you putting out his message will only continue his legend. I have big plans from what I’ve seen so far to use what he created throughout his career. I read an article about his passing and his father said, “He lived more in his short 33 years than most do in a lifetime.” I can definitely agree with that. Most people don’t have the insight or drive to accomplish what he had until later in life, if at all. But you do and you’re helping others do the same. Scott certainly left the world too soon, but his message will continue.
Thank you Erin! I’ve been continuing to learn from Scott even after his passing. Sending love your way.
My heart hurts for you Jacob. Scott’s life will be remembered by many, but his memory will live forever within you.
Thx mom. 🙂
Hey Jacob,
I was really shocked and saddened to hear about Scott’s death. I actually remember listening to your interview with him back when you did the WTF virtual conference. I remember listening while I was driving a few years ago, taking a road trip that ended up being the beginning of discovering my purpose. After your interview, I began following Scott’s work as well and remember watching his TED talk thinking, “wow, I listened to him during an interview on this road trip I took!” I’m really grateful that you sent this out in your email and included your interview. I listened to it again tonight and hearing it was so powerful and such a valuable reminder to keep pursuing your dream. You’re right, nothing is guaranteed, but living your life doing what you love is really what it’s all about. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Thank you for sharing.
Beautifully put, Chris. I’m thrilled our work was able to help you. And thanks for taking the wisdom and striving to embody it!
I am so very sorry for your loss Jacob, it’s painful to read the crazy generous impact he had on your path. He gave me my first try of an online course and community, on a scholarship even, and that was so awesome that I went on discovering you, Johnathan Fields, Corbett Barr, RYPL and reconnecting with Leo Babauta at the start of his unschooling blog.
I met his father and mother too and Leo and Chelsea at his LYL event in Paris, very impressively genuine, powerful and happy folks, may they be surrounded by pure love all their life.
Such an inspiring life and death, the minute I learned it, it stroke me, what a more inspiring death could he have?!? Living a huge dream with his beloved, connecting to his worldwide community, in full bloom and early so as to hammer in his message: do something that matters! Because you just might die in an hour. We only have now, and let’s make amazing magic with this now, like he showed us 🙂 Love to Scott and you Jacob.
Totally, Laure. Thx for reflecting that wisdom this way. Love to you back.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the inspiration you took from Scott, even in his passing. You are the same kind of inspirational leader he was and I know you will keep his legend alive in your heart and work.
So sweet of you to say, Meg. Thank you!