My close friends know that I have a habit of taking on a lot of projects. But what they probably don’t know, is that I always have an agenda (wait…it’s not as bad as it sounds).

When I look into a new project, I always ask 3 questions:

1. At the end of this project, will I look back and be proud of the goal I have achieved? Will it bring more joy and value to my life and to those around me?
2. Will I have the opportunity to learn something, to teach something, to champion a cause, or to bring awareness to an important (but overlooked) issue? Will I grow? Will I help others to grow?
3. Can I bring all of myself to the table? Can I give 100%? Will this project insight my passions?

You probably noticed that I never mentioned anything about money or compensation. That’s not because I don’t like money. On the contrary…I love it. Plus…I really like having a roof over my head and food to eat.

But I have a “Life Rule” that says: “Find what you love. Do it well. And the money will follow.” Sometimes this is true, sometimes it’s not. Do I take on projects for less than I am worth? Definitely. Have I ever regretted it? Never.

I also have a “Rule” that says: “Knowledge should be shared.” This is the rule that allows me to meet with great minds, and share amazing ideas without worrying about signing NDA’s, or losing my idea to someone else. Could someone steal “my idea”? Sure. But, I think it’s worth the risk. I’ve Open Sourced My Mind.

I thought I would end this post by pushing some of the “Agenda’s” near and dear to my heart. I’m really lucky to know some of THE GREATEST PEOPLE ON EARTH…and I just wanted to mention some of the world changing things that they are spending their time (often without pay) doing.

My Friend Ed Schipul (who owns a web design firm here in Houston), spends his free time organizing community groups like Netsquared. Netsquared’s mission is to help non-profit organizations understand, use, and expand the social web. Pairing Non-Profits and Technology, Netsquared is an open-forum for discussion as well as a call to action. Additionally, Ed leverages the power and influence of his design firm and internet marketing savvy to help non-profit organizations find a voice on the web, without breaking the bank.

My Friend whurley (aka William Hurley) is currently the CTO of Qlusters. A relentless Open Source Champion and defender of the common man (LOL), Whurley is currently helping to define the future of Open Systems Management. He’s co-founder of the Open Management Consortium, OpenSIMS Project, OpenQRM, and OpenNXT. Additionally, he’s breaking ground on Co-Working Austin, and helping to develop community with a conscience in Austin, Texas.

Speaking of Co-Working, my friend Chris recently broke ground on a new co-working space in San Francisco (also home to Citizen Space/Citizen Agency). “Coworking is cafe-like community/collaboration space for developers, writers and independents. Or, it’s like this: start with a shared office and add cafe culture. Which is the opposite of most modern cafes.” You might remember Chris as one of the founders of BarCamp (the technology un-conference that is sweeping the world). And we all know how much I Love BarCamp!

But, when it comes to making a difference, my hat is off to Sharron Rush (Executive Director of Knowbility). Sharron and I recently had lunch in Austin, and I was amazed by the passion and energy she puts into what she does. Knowbility’s mission is to make technology accessible to people with disabilities, and increase their independence. Through training (AIR, Access U), consulting, and even Gala’s you can attend in your Pajama’s — Sharron is helping make the internet a nicer place for everyone.

So do me a favor. Go out today and GET INVOLVED. Do something that makes a difference. Help support one (or all) of the organizations above.

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