This Video Will Inspire You (Warning: It’s Intense).

Do you feel like your life is out of control?

You want to follow your dreams, but it feels like you don’t have a choice in the matter.

The video below was developed to inspire you. I hope you enjoy it.

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Click Here To Tweet This Video.

The Power of An Idea is in Taking Action.

About 6 months ago I met Kenji.

We got to talking.

The more we talked – the more ideas bubbled to the surface.

Ideas mean nothing… Without action.

One day I drop by Kenji’s place:

Kenji mentions to me “Hey man, I saw this crazy temple that I could see you training at. Real ninja style.”

“You want to make a video of it?”

“… Just what I was thinkin’!”

The result… The Video you just watched.

Connect With Kenji

The video above was made by my video man Kenji (usolee). Kenji’s dreams is to inspire others with his video and art. Check out his site here.

Head on over and like his Facebook Page here.

Or you can follow him on Twitter.

 

 

If you enjoyed this post the best way to express it is by doing one of the following 3 things:

1. Leave a comment. 2. Like it with the Facebook button. 3. Share it on Twitter.

 

  • Jamie Alexander

    Holy sh1t,

    That’s one of the most motivational videos I’ve ever seen in my life. Well done and top, top job :)

    • Lucas Korynta

      totaly agree!

    • usolee

      Motivational story + motivational video = tons of momentum for everyone, right?

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Such an awesome comment Jamie! I can feel your excitement man. I’m stoked that you dig it.

    • http://twitter.com/afraternz Aaron

      Agree entirly. Really profesional, engaging, simple & action packed. Had all the power of any of the top big budget motivational / isnspirational vids I ahve seen, & more – it flet very real. Thanks.

  • http://www.facebook.com/pgk2408 Pragati Kavilkar

    Oh My God Izzy !!
    Now this video is going everywhere around the world…
    You and Kenji together are a powerful duo !
    this is just so powerful … its awesome ! I’m running out of words but I think you know how I feel :D
    I really really **REALLY** wanna thank you both to make this for all the readers ….
    Aarigato Gozaimasu !!!

    • usolee

      I think we feed off each other really well. Doitashimashite Pragati!!

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Thanks Pragati :) . Yeah, just like Kenji said – we feed off each other. We get ideas and then we just build off of it.

      I’m really glad you enjoyed it Pragati. I hope it can fire people up. I want it to touch people’s souls and make them realize they can make the changes they want in their life!

  • http://www.facebook.com/jeanne.runkle Jeanne Runkle

    Insomnia. 245am. I read CNN. Joblessness, millions without enough work, little hope. So I tell myself that I’d better stay put, rethink this. Don’t do anything rash. I eventually get back to sleep, plagued by dreams that I don’t quite remember, but leave me with a taste of despair and ashes in my mouth. Then, your video. It’s my choice, my life. You’re right…i’m dying inside and i’m the only one that can change that. A little bit won’t be enough…a new hobby is fine…for a minute. But it’s merely a diversion. And it’s diverting me from making a change…saving a life. MY life. Izzy, you’re awesome, inspiring, fantastic…and with Kenji, you’re unstoppable. Keep it up!!

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Jeanne I am so glad you took the time to write this comment. This is exactly what we wanted to get across in the video. We want people to feel hope and inspiration that they have a choice in their life.

      It’s scary because there is all this “noise” we are surrounded by everyday. Yet most of this noise is a deception. It knocks us off our track. It kills our focus. It makes us susceptible to buying into the lie that we don’t have a choice. But we do have a choice! And there is no better time to take advantage of that then right now :) .

      Kenji and I believe in this message with all our heart.

  • Ms. Wehn

    Awesome video, Izzy. I really love the concept and the way the video was done was great. I love how you portrayed the person who is not doing anything vs the person who is taking action. And great job to Kenji too.
    Can I have your autograph? :)

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      What’s up Mrs. Wehn :) .

      Thank you so much for saying all of that – it really means a lot. I know the exact feelings the video portrays; I’ve been on both sides of the table.

      I’ll give you my autograph the next time we meet up… Maybe ;) .

    • usolee

      A big ARIGATO goes out to you Ms. Wehn! Keep you eyes on the horizon, who knows what kind of stuff we’ll come up with in the future

  • usolee

    It’s YOUR choice. It’s OUR choice.

    Izzy, we both had ideas that would have stayed just that – ideas. We made a choice to meet. During our meetings, we made lots more choices (about timing, location, ect). As the video guy, I spent a good amount of time thinking about how to communicate your emotions visually through the lens. But honestly, what I’ll remember most from all those hours we spent planning and shooting is that time we were sitting at my desk in the studio, and I sketched out that broken light bulb. Remember that?! lol

    That’s so true man! It has stood up to the test of time, I STILL SEE that image in my head whenever I think of something, whenever I get an idea, an ‘ah ha’ moment. And in that moment I remember those 3 words, “It’s Your Choice.” I choose to act on the idea or not.

    I’m a visual kind of thinker and that’s just my visual representation of your words. Good stuff bro.

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Dang! Of course I remember that visual you drew. It’s a metaphor for life I try to embrace everyday. Shoot! I’m not one for tattoos but if I was forced to get one that visual might be it.

      It’s crazy because we all have ideas. Sometimes the ideas are good, bad, great, okay, etc… But in reality it doesn’t matter if they just sit in our heads. A mediocre idea acted upon has an infinite stronger impact than an amazing idea never acted upon.

      Working with you has been inspiring to me because you are so willing to step up to the plate. I know when I talk to you it’s not just words – it’s real! That is crazy powerful.

      Destruction of the idea! It’s all about execution :) .

  • http://twitter.com/NakedBearBnB Naked Bear BnB

    Hey Izzy. Loved the video by both of you. The boost this morning with breakfast, simply inspiringly delicious and full of awesomesauce.

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Well you definitely the first (and probably the only) one to metaphorically eat this video with breakfast! Haha! I love it man. Glad to see you over in the comments section Mike :) .

      • http://twitter.com/NakedBearBnB Naked Bear BnB

        Good to be back and visiting you. Been rapped up in Project 137 with the awesome Patti Digh. Fascinating project. Only 19 days left of the 137.

        • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

          Well I’m thrilled to see you around. Shoot me an email and let me know what that project is. Be interested in hearing more about it.

  • http://www.vishnusvirtues.com/ Vishnu

    I was five minutes in and thought I would be seeing Robert Deniro. Is this the 30 year old ninja – the movie? Just awesome Izzy, just awesome!

    I now definitely know you’re coming down to L.A. to audition! I’m going to play the role of your personal body guard so good that people are going to be frightened first by me, then by you.

    This must be the first thing people see when they get to your website!!

    • http://www.vishnusvirtues.com/ Vishnu

      You made walking through the convenience store exciting! I was ready for a shootout but you just bought a chocolate milk (and it was as thrilling) haha

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Hahaha! Awesome comment V! Yeah, I think that is a wonderful idea. You should definitely be my body gaurd. I will yell insulting things to those that walk by us and you can protect us… Wow! What a great team you and I could make :) .

      Let’s meet in the most dangerous part of LA – I’ll tweet updates to our followers as you fight to maintain our honor:

      “V is knocked out cold…” “V doesn’t seem to be getting up…” “V’s final hospital bill comes to _____”

      We will probably gain a million twitter followers because it will be so engaging :) .

  • Nihal Ahmed

    Love it Izzy! Really inspiring! :D

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Nihal what’s up! I’m thrilled to see you drop by in the comments. I’m glad it has inspired you :) .

  • http://www.facebook.com/suesandahlia Susan Guerra

    you just became legit! well done … well done! (kenji was your missing link)

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Haha! Awesome :) . Thanks Susan!

    • usolee

      it feels good being called a ‘missing link’
      makes me feel happy to connect, and help someone progress, you know?

  • http://karenyvonne.net/ Karen

    beautiful… It was simply beautiful

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Thanks Karen :) . We put a lot of work into this. I’m really glad you like it.

    • usolee

      Japan is filled with beautiful places and beautiful people

  • Paul

    Wow Izzy. What a great video and the message hits home. Kenji I’m sure will one day have a Oscar in his future. Love the point made. I currently have a job that puts money in my pocket but robs the soul. I am currently working on that change every day and you and the rest of the people on the post help motivate me along the way. You are the goods.

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Being stuck in a job that robs the soul but puts good money in the pocket is very difficult. I don’t think you necessarily need to quit today but developing a plan to transition and taking the first step is mission critical. Plus it will also bring some clarity to it all.

      I’m thrilled that I can play part of the role to motivate you to make a big change in your life Paul.

  • http://www.facebook.com/Bboyalden Alden Tan

    Personal responsibility, choice, don’t ever lay blame. That’s all you need!

    BTW Izzy, at some angles you looked like Tom Cruise to me LOL.

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      You pretty much summed up the whole video with 1 word: Personal Responsibility (Okay, maybe 2 words).

      In regards to the Tom Cruise comment: I’ll take it man :) (assuming you mean the younger Tom Cruise).

    • usolee

      totally agree! at 2:01

  • Erik

    I could feel the energy from that video!

    I hope this motivational video goes viral. This is what we need right now.

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Hahaha! Me too. I would love for it to go Viral.

    • usolee

      It needs lots of shares to go viral! It’s gotten a bunch of views but could always use more momentum!

  • Meg

    Wow, just WOW. Izzy you and Kenji have done something amazing here. Love ♥

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Thank Meg :) . We both are very proud of it. Thanks for taking the time to comment and let us know about it.

  • Bhupendra Singh Dhanjal

    Thanks Izzy.

    You provided me the much needed inspiration and kick in my back.

    I promise to chase my dreams now and will keep you updated about my progress.

    I truly appreciate for you and Kenji’s efforts in bringing this video to life.

    Keep up the good work.

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Hi Bhupendra (How do I pronounce that?).

      I’m thrilled this has inspired you :) . I hope that you go out and take big steps towards your dreams… TODAY!

  • Sean

    Damn Izzy, Kenji. That was truly inspiring.

    I probably should not have watched this during my break, right before heading into my next conference meeting for a project that’s interesting… but likely won’t matter in the long run. The imagery right in the middle of the video where you see your reflection hit me like a train – sorry, bad pun. Very powerful video. Thanks guys.

    • usolee

      glad you liked that point Sean. it was one of the main images I wanted to get across to the audience! it’s a focus on the ‘you’ part of the 3 word combo. i also played a lot with reflections as a lead up into that moment when Izzy’s reflection stares back and ‘wakes him up’ so to speak

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Hahaha! Nice :) .

      I’m glad this gave you some fire and inspiration Sean.

      I really appreciate you taking the time to comment.

  • Lisa Stevens

    Yeah, I didn’t just watch the video – it pulled me in. Well done.

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Super duper awesome Lisa :) . Thanks for saying that.

  • http://twitter.com/balexandros Bryann

    Just watched this 3rd time. Wow, the first time I watched it, I thought it was an actual movie trailer starring IZZY! I’m impressed with how motivational and well done it is. Like Pragati Kavilkar said, you two make a duo for sure.

    You’re right. We all have that choice. “It’s your choice.” If people say they don’t have a choice, they should definitely ask themselves “Why do you feel like DON’T have a choice?”

    Well done!

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      It’s crazy powerful when we realize we do in fact have a choice in how we live our lives :) . Though, many people are completely unaware of 1) they do have a choice and 2) the deception that they “don’t” have a choice is the major barrier in their lives.

      I’m really happy that you enjoyed the video Bryann :) .

  • http://twitter.com/MsStJames Stephanie St. James

    Izzy Are you just Glowing? Cuz you should be and Kenji too! Amazeballs. Love it! Posted it on Ari’s page for his Birthday today… posted it on my nieces page… ps… she loves ninja’s lol… What you are creating and how you are inspiring is AWESOME! So excited every time I pop by here.

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Hahaha! Any sentence that uses the word “Amazeballs” in it makes my day better :) .

      Yeah – I feel really blessed to have found Kenji. We have a very similar view of work and life (and the dude is incredible with the video camera).

      Thank you for sharing it Stephanie :) – I know I say it all the time, but I really do appreciate it so much!

  • http://www.blog-growth.com/ Mauro D’Andrea

    Hi Izzy! Wow! You are rocking with videos.

    The message you sent in this one is something that I truly share.
    Even though many times it’s hard to go after your choice, I think it’s the best thing that you can do.

    I want to say you a sincere thank you.
    With your video speech for the TEDx you helped me to make a hard choice…and with this video you are helping me to keep going.

    I hope that one day I’ll have the chance to offer you a dinner, at least :)

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      “Even though many times it’s hard to go after your choice, I think it’s the best thing that you can do.”

      That is a really powerful quote Mauro. It kind of blows my mind because it’s so true. It is interesting that it is harder to go after the things we want.

      It is way easier to pretend like we are victims of circumstance. Then we can sit back and do nothing. But once we admit that we do have a choice it becomes crazy scary because it means if our situation is going to improve it’s on us to do it.

      Mauro I would love to have dinner with you someday. If you ever make it out to Japan (or I make it to your neck of the woods) we will make it happen for sure.

      • http://www.blog-growth.com/ Mauro D’Andrea

        Exactly! It’s quite scary to make what we truly want.

        Japan is on my “to go” places, so when I’ll be there I’ll say you. But, you have to show me the best sushi restaurant :)
        Or if you came to Italy before I would go to Japan, just tell me. By the way, your eating skills would have a hard time here: Italian meals are endless…it’s like a battle – you VS the chef!

        • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

          Haha! Yeah, well I would love to put my eating skills to the test.

          At some point I am going to leave Japan. I want to travel the world training in martial arts. Italy is one of the places I want to live and train :) .

          I went to Italy about 8 years ago (Rome, Florence, Venice). The food was incredible! I don’t know how anyone stays thin.

  • http://www.modernmom.com/blogs/wendy-irene Wendy Irene

    Holy Cow! That video was A-MAZING!!!! You guys did a phenomenal job. I’m kind of speechless except for that it totally moved me. Congratulations on your great work! :)

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      So awesome Wendy :) . Thank you so much for taking the time to write this :) . I appreciate it so much!

  • http://twitter.com/GwynMinerva Minerva Gwyn

    Again I loved both the content and the editing. It’s really powerful and energizing, perfect for watching on Sunday at 7am as I just did. :D If someone watches it and still keeps on living an ordinary life that s/he hates, s/he’s an alien! LOL Congrats Izzy and Kenji! :)

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Okay – I just have to say that I LOVE that you watched this at 7am on a Sunday and it has fired you up.

      We really wanted to get the message across that people have control of their lives.

      Minerva – thanks for taking the time comment (not just this comment but on all your comments!).

      • http://twitter.com/GwynMinerva Minerva Gwyn

        LOL You’re welcome, Izzy! You’ve inspired me to start waking up in the weekends at 5am, you know. ;) I’m really enjoying talking with you and learning from all the amazing content you’ve been posting. What I like the most about how you’ve been going about this project is that you wear your heart on your sleeve. When I read your e-mails, posts and watch your videos, I feel like you bare your soul, and that’s something so special and brave, and highly inspiring too. I’m very happy that my comments have been helpful. I can only feel honored to give something back to you. :)

  • http://alifeonyourterms.com/ Liz Seda

    Stunning Iz. Absolutely stunning. I’m not a deadbeat blogger friend anymore. I couldn’t help smiling the whole time. Knowing that was my Iz bringing down the house. This. Is. Awesome.

    Love you.

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      Thanks for saying that Mrs Seda :) .

      You were never a deadbeat blogger friend!

      You are nothing but awesome 24/7/365… That’s why we get along :) .

  • http://alifeonyourterms.com/ Liz Seda

    Kenji is pretty awesome for making you look so awesome. I hope you’re paying him well :) .

    • http://www.30yearoldninja.com/ Izmael Arkin

      I really should delete this comment… :) . He gets paid in hugs!

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