One of my favorite authors is Dan Kennedy. He writes mostly business success and how-to books and sometimes he ticks me off (He claims to be to the "right of Rush Limbaugh"), but he says it like he believes it. I've learned a lot from him. He wrote an interesting book entitled How to Succeed in Business by Breaking All the Rules and this quote comes from that book:
You can't afford to be humble. If you wait to be discovered and rewarded based upon merit alone, you had better bring a lunch and several good books because you're going to be waiting a long, long time. The bigger your ambitions, the more likely you are to offend people while achieving those ambitions. And your opportunity to have meaningful impact will be in direct proportion to your willingness to offend. What others perceive as arrogance may very well be the level of confidence, self-promotion, and pushiness necessary. Also, arrogance magnetically attracts more than it repels because many people prefer association with an individual who is absolutely certain of his/her convictions.
Sometimes those of a spiritual mindset think that you always have to be nice. Humbug. You don't have to step on toes exactly, but if you really want to accomplish something, it must be full steam ahead. No matter what you are out to do, someone in your immediate circle is going to be envious, jealous, angry, sad, or "so concerned you're going off on the wrong track" and you will be tempted to cave. Don't. You have gifts and abilities and talents that the world needs. Don't let the naysayers tell you what to do. Jump in, take a risk, and who knows? You may be the next Big Thing. If you don't want to stand out, then sit back and let those of us who are on track whiz right by you. We're not taking the guff from those who would hold us back.
And you New Thought people who think this might be just a bit negative, what do you think all that affirming you've been doing is about? If you don't get up and take action--risking wrath from your fellows--then the universe cannot provide you with what you say you want.
Sounds a bit stern, perhaps, but true. Be a little arrogant. Stand up, step out, stop whining, and success can't help but find you.
I close with one more familiar expression: Sometimes we're so spiritually minded we're no earthly good. You're here. Make the most of it.
(I have posted a review of How to Succeed in Business by Breaking All the Rules just before this blog post. Be forewarned. Dan Kennedy is not to everyone's liking. He may indeed offend you. But if you can get past all that, you might get some very valuable stuff from him. I did. And my politics is completely opposite to his. Trust me on that one.)
To "step out in faith" doesn't sound agressive or meek, just makes sense. Thanks for sharing, I have been waiting for the world to find me, at least with music. Hey! I want to attract a combo and play around. I won't do that as easily if I never leave my farm, I suppose.
ReplyDelete(From Christen Hawkins