I've had this concept for a few years now, I got it from my friend Adam. It's the idea of upgrading yourself. More specifically, if life to this point has all been version 1.x, this is about launching "Mike version 2.0". Just as "web 2.0" is a metaphor, more than any one application or feature, for the evolution of social media and the internet, Adam 2.0 or Mike 2.0 or Elle 2.0 is a metaphor for our personal growth, for learning new functions and abilities, for a new level in the evolution of our selves.
For me, this metaphor has proven useful in clarifying a vision of how I might define "success" in the next chapter of my life. It has also clarified that some of the behaviors holding me back are simply like bugs in the software; vestigal remnants of mostly unconscious programming when I was younger. These I need to eliminate or effectively work around for next-level vitality and productivity.
Of course, perhaps web 2.0, or Mike 2.0 for that matter, is just an illusion anyways. I just found the World Wide Web's inventor (I didn't know it had one) doesn't put much stock in the term, regarding the new expression that web 2.0 supposedly embodies: "World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee, who called the term a "piece of jargon"[4] — precisely because he specifically intended the Web to embody these values in the first place."
If Tim Berners-Lee feels this way as the World Wide Web's inventor, then to extend the metaphor, I could hypothesize Man's inventor... "Mike 2.0? Ridiculous. You were always intended to embody all of this, and more. There are infinite versions available to you."
But I digress. I don't believe in an anthropomorphic God anyways. I recently came up with a prayer to "everything, everyone, and everywhere." It's a bit more inclusive, and relevant to my life. For me, prayer is primarily an act of gratitude and blessing.
But I digress again. Mike 2.0, right. Anyways, I was saying that I like this metaphor; it's been useful and inspiring to me. Especially when you listen to WalkOn's great positive hip-hop track, "Next Level" ("There's a light in me and it's time to let it shine. Whether or not I'm ready or not, I'm gonna take it to the next level. Just so I can say that I never settled, I'm about to take it to the next level"). It makes me wonder what version I'm at, though. If I look at my whole life, there have been many evolutions and levels. Still, I think I'll stick with the simplest version of the metaphor, and make my goal a Mike 2.0 which entails mastery of all my bad (negative or counterproductive) habits. I can only imagine what I'll accomplish when I'm consistently clear-headed, confident, peaceful and vital.
In a sense, looking at the evolution to 2.0, version 1.x implies both a foundation to grow from, and all that I want to leave behind.
So, who is Mike 2.0?
Self-disciplined: I'm referring to any habits or vices which I've done compulsively and excessively. This includes a few personal habits over the years which are also included in my goal of self-mastery, but mainly refers to smoking too much weed. I need an extended break from toking; I will be more productive, focused, and connected with people.
Vital, happy, and strong: of course I'm training and CrossFitting regularly, sleeping enough, practicing peace of mind, eliminating unnecessary stress, and eating consistently well.
Financially successful: starting at $4,000 a month after tax and business expenses deducted, from work in my areas of passion and expertise: snowboarding and physical fitness. Other passions which could produce profit might be videography, websites, writing, life coaching, product development, craft and art production, music, and more.
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