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Joe Charogoff
I was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1977. I am the youngest of five children; I have two older brothers and two older sisters. We moved around quite a bit when I was a child. I mainly grew up in New Jersey and Michigan however. When I was a young boy, about five, I experienced fairly serious brain trauma. This incident, along with a medication I was prescribed for it, led to some notable changes to my mentality and social standing. All of the biological effects the fall ended up causing paled in comparison to the social effect it had on me.
Connect with Joe  relativelywriting.wordpress.com
Black Sheep, Joe Charogoff
- Contributed By: Joe Charogoff
Tell us a little something about your business...
When I was a very young boy, about five, I experienced fairly serious brain trauma. All of the biological effects that the fall ended up causing however, paled in comparison to the social effect it had on me. In short, it made me “seem” different than everyone else. From the fall on, I was no longer just another person going through the motions. Part of me is thankful for that fact, and part of me despises it.
My books come from an alternative point of view- they are all about different perspectives than the one we typically take on- important and more difficult ones. My first book- The Introduction of Self- deals with taking on a new perspective of our own existence in order to progress as people and individuals. You can call it a “Self-Help” book, but realize that it truly means only you can help your self, and not that the book or author can.
When was your lightbulb moment?
In my early thirties, an extremely cathartic experience led me to recognize and personalize my life-long understanding of human mentality and behavior, which caused me to genuinely change my own for the better.
What are your three words of advice?
RECOGNIZE- It is not enough for us to know or realize what is good or bad for us. We have to consciously be aware of what we are doing that holds us back, as well as what we need to change to get better.
THINK- Considering, imagining, contemplating and pondering are some of our most underrated and under-utilized abilities. If you can stop escaping your innermost thoughts, and start dealing with them enough, you’ll start figuring them out as well.
CHOOSE- Make a conscious determination after thinking and recognizing the realities at play. “Of course I can eat candy all day, but I recognize there are other options that will improve my health instead of hurting it, so I don’t just eat candy all day.” The same mentality is needed to change your humanity. “Of course I can keep assuming I’m right and the outside is to blame- but I recognize that it’s a defense mechanism, I’m not actually always right, and I’m responsible for my mentality and actions- so I’ll listen to others and confront my fear of my self.”
Three words of advice...
FIND YOUR SELF
I was born in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1977. I am the youngest of five children; I have two older brothers and two older sisters. We moved around quite a bit when I was a child. I mainly grew up in New Jersey and Michigan however. When I was a young boy, about five, I experienced fairly serious brain trauma. This incident, along with a medication I was prescribed for it, led to some notable changes to my mentality and social standing. All of the biological effects the fall ended up causing paled in comparison to the social effect it had on me.
Connect with Joe  relativelywriting.wordpress.com
“May your legacy create a footprint of success for the next person who steps into your shoes”