Life is not linear
The idea that you go to school, you get a job and then you settle down and eventually you get everything you wanted is a fantasy. It is told by people that do not know any better. A story that is started and ended everyday. New kids are told this is the path to successes. An old man dies never seeing that story play through. Kids are told these lies but they don’t know any better. So many kids are raised to just do what they are told; so they go through life seeking to be told what needs to be done next. This dynamic leads to lost and easily manipulated humans, feed for the economy.
Becoming adult requires taking responsibility for you life. Many people delay this process, they have people support them or they let other make choices for them. I’ve wanted it my way since I was child, but only until I removed everyone that wanted to control me, did I have the option of taking full responsibility.
There are people in this world that want you to take control but only if it helps feed them too. Parents, bosses, media; It seems sinister but it’s unintentional. There are people that make it seem like you do not have power over your own life. They say you need them, or make it seem like taking control of your life is beyond your transformation. Anyone can evolve, you just have to want to. When you take that leap, you will struggle but are breaking free of limitations. Only at this point life is not linear. Now you can play the game.
Reason for Actions
I’ve learned that there needs to be a reason for every action that you take. You actions hold weight, your words hold weight. This is how you interact with the world. This is power, no matter your circumstances. There are people that are oppressed, but there are also people that do not let that define them. When you have choice, you need to choose actions that will lead you to where you want to be. Only listen to those that have been down that path before; I’ve learned that even though you vehicle may not be the same but the way they drive shares core similarities.
Influence
A skill to develop is influence. How can you get people to do what you want that will further you agenda? Even if you thoughts are for the greater good or the greater evil influence that help you further you path. People really think that can go into this world and do everything alone. You have to be able to command people to help you. This is more important that any other skill that you can develop.
Think about it, even if you develop a skill you have to show people that you are actually good. And if you can’t sell yourself, people will never know your potential. You might think to yourself, “I shouldn’t have to do that, my work will sell itself”, in a world where you are the only person doing a craft that would be true. But in a world where many want rewards you have to further to stand out. That is how you play the game.
Negotiation
Negotiation goes hand in hand with influence. You have to know how to make people feel like they are getting what they want by giving you what you want. I recommend never split the difference by Chris Voss, that book goes into depth how to get whatever you want.
Work Ethic
You have to work hard into order to get what you want. Even if you are smart, no hard work equals nothing because that means you are not trying to get every drop out of you life. My motto is make sure you are at least twice as much as you play or relax.
Right Place, Right Time and the Right People
Playing the game well is know that there is a world that you have to play the game in. You do not get options by not working on the right projects, at the right time for the right people. This also means you have to be the right place. How can sell hotdogs to people if you locate yourself inside of a cornfield. You have to get out and interact, build the right team and work where the effort actually matters.
Not being in the right place has made many people suffer, they work hard, they work smart but they are not in an environment that is conducive with performance and success. This could be anything from a bad job to the wrong city. You can’t spend you wings if your environment keeps them chained down. Break the chains and play the game to win.
Patience
Knowing that everything takes time is a skill that pays off. Not being patient and trying to rush can cause more problems, when we rush we have a tendency to to make mistakes. There is a difference between training for speed and performance and rushing; Training takes time and effort to master each component so you could go faster. Rushing just wants to get to the end. Take your time and play the game.
This article is part of my goal to write everyday for an hour and post it everyday. It may not be edited to my standards but the goal is create value and get content out everyday.
