I've been taking the time to read up two books I bought that were written by renowned motivator John C. Maxwell, and from his advice I've finally figured out a few things.
1. Seeing the light from our mistakes can hurt us. But if we choose to accept our faults and do something about them, at least we haven't failed to do our best to be someone better.
Maybe I took the wrong approach to the year, and that's what's making me feel as though the whole year stinks. I'm not seeing it the way I should have: full of fun possibilities and challenging obstacles. Instead, once the solid waste matter hits the oscillation, panic, anger, resentment and disdain take their place. I allowed myself to feel all these when there was no need for it!
Which is why I now ask myself this question: was it all worth it? Well, obviously the answer is a resounding NO.
So now instead of griping about the crises I have to face, I will face them head on, and look them in the eye with unwavering confidence. Instead of asking: "What can my friends do for me?", I ask: "What can I do for my friends?" Instead of hoping for an easy solution, I will look for the right solution, even if it will involve lots of crap tossed my way.
Well, I can't deny it will be hard to start practising these values and more, but I know I can! Why should I worry about NOT accomplishing them? So long as I can have faith in my abilities, no matter the weaknesses that will bring me down, if at first I don't succeed... keep at it until I get the desired results. Don't we all?
2. I have decided to become a person of positive influence!
Well, most of us aspire, but few attain. Me, I'm gonna do whatever it takes!
Indeed, when it comes to influence, there is much to be said about it. But influence in this case is all about making a positive impact on the lives of others, and allowing them to do the same to many other people.
Sure, we live in a materialistic world - money never sleeps today. But why can't we go back to the days when money wasn't everything? When are we going to realize it's not power or reputation that makes the man, but integrity and character? When are we going to start nurturing others to do good unto their neighbors? Seriously, when are we going to take this seriously?
However way we look at it, everyone has influence. No matter if the person is rich or poor, strong or weak, famous or unheard of, male or female, everyone has influence unto others. Good influence makes one trustworthy and respected, while bad influence does otherwise to us. You can never get away with it when you break someone's trust, or verbally abuse them - once that happens, you begin to gain negative influence with others. Everybody will whisper to each other: "you can't count on that guy". And it'll affect you!
On the other hand, if you show trustworthiness, as well as a caring, understanding and nurturing attitude, everybody will know you for those reasons. Everyone will acknowledge, respect and even affirm you for your positivity. And they'll have lots to say about you: "He's a really cool guy", "She's someone you can count on", "He's almost like a brother to me", "She knows what she's doing" - the list goes on.
Don't you want to be like that? A person everyone notices when you walk into a room? A person who nurtures others positively? A person who understands people's needs and problems? A person who is willing to lend a hand anytime? Sure it's hard, but practising it pays many dividends.
When it comes to building positive influence, it's not just about being friendly, sharing laughs, talking crap and what-nots. You can be the most polite guy in the world, but if you can't maintain a good level of influence, everyone will know you as the world's most polite liar. You can be the best manager of a company, but if you involve yourself in embezzling the organization's cash, you're going to lose your job AND your next job might not be on par with the previous because of your infamy.
If you don't want to end up on the wrong track, then start watching your characteristics, give more than you receive, be honest and open to others, and let's not forget to smile about it.
3. From the previous point, in order for me to attain that level of positivity I need your cooperation.
Yes, I did say it's better to give than receive. But here in this case, I have to ask for your opinions of me and where I need improvement. It's necessary if I have your honest-to-God feedback, because if I don't work on my weaknesses then I doubt I can help others. We have to help ourselves before we can reach out to the people around us.
It's a pretty darn simple task, really. I'd love to do it myself, but there's a lot of uncertainty to much of the characteristics I display. I may think a part of me is already good, but someone may think otherwise. Then it's back to the drawing board I go.
But then that's a good thing! That means I know where to start and how I can make the situation ten thousand times better than it used to be. And once the other "suggestion forms" come back to me, then I know how much of effort I need to put in to change my ways.
And then I can start helping you guys! Won't that be great?
If it sounds like I'm being a selfish jerk, please don't think of it that way (oh, and thank ou too. That means I have to start acting less selfish). I am sincerely doing all this not just for myself, but I firmly believe that it is in our natural order as human beings that we must give more than receive. Well, actually, according to most experts, one of our primary functions in existence is to give unto others. And not the other way around. Hmm, an interesting fact.
In reality, I would say that God wants us to do just the same to others. Friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers if needs be. I mean, if we can start behaving this way, wouldn't we give rise to create a brand new generation of people who disagree on materialism, and focus more on building a more spiritual and sociable community worldwide. The seeds we plant will decide our fate for the future.
True? Yes indeed.
I rest my case for now. I hope we can all work together for a brighter future, and a more pleasant one as well. Cheers!
