Ignore everybody
This idea has always appealed to me. In fact, it defines my principles and informs some of my strengths. Originality dictates that one tries out new things. One does not have to do what others have already done. In business, people are advised to be risk averse or if anything risk neutral. This goes against my principle. I believe in trying out new things. In that regard, I appreciate the concept of ignoring others. People tend to be averse to risk and would want to try only tried and tested methods. However, this usually limits their potential and leads to redundancies.
One needs to appreciate the benefits of trying out new things. As the author puts it, nobody knows the outcomes of new things until they have been implemented. The fear to try out could be one’s barrier to success. This is a case of one being his own enemies. I intend to approach “the ignore other people” principle more combatively into my leadership and motivational skills. I would ensure before trying out new things, I gather adequate research on the topic and learn from mistakes of others that attempted something in that line.
The beauty of trying new things lies in the experience gathered and the new information that one may stumble upon during the course of the journey. I intend to gain from such activities. In addition, we only learn by burning our fingers. Ever watched a little bird being taught how to fly? The older bird carries in its beak and they fly together in the air. At some point the older one lets the little bird go. It has no other option but to fly as it tries to save itself from falling down. This process is often gruelling and painful for both the birds, but when through both are glad at the victory. Trying out new things presents the same feelings to the individual.
Put the hours in
Indeed it is always important to put in hours into your work. This essentially calls for consistency and commitment. I found this appealing and pragmatic. In fact, it is also one of my strengths. I believe nothing in the world comes easy. One ought to work for it. One must be able to gather experience and knowledge in anything they pursue. Take the example of a lawyer who needs to defend his client in litigation. The lawyer has to put in lots of hours in research. He needs to research both the position of the law and the facts of the case. Indeed, the quality of his presentation in court depends on how many hours he put in his research.
I borrow that belief and practise it every single day. I intend to improve on it. This I would do by engaging in more quality work rather just working haphazardly. Indeed, I do appreciate the author’s message in doing quality work over a period of time so as to gain advantage through experience.
In addition, in order to excel in the process, one needs to appreciate the role of practising. Putting more hours is intended to practise. People often say that if one prepares strongly, the battle often is fought softly. This philosophy is in support of the need to put in hours of time in preparation and learning about something. In the long run, it always remains for us to know what we really want. Focus dictates that one must prepare well in the quest for a goal.
You are responsible for your own experience
This probably is one of the hardest principle to observe. It sounds easy on paper but could be tough to follow and implement. One usually looks out for support from others. Indeed, this area is a big weakness on my part. Ordinarily, I may have a good idea but without the support of others, my idea disappears away. While the place of emotional support is essential in life, one should be able to appreciate the fact that he owns his own experiences. The author rightly argues for people to adopt a self-propelling attitude in life. This is one component I really need to adopt.
I intend to adopt the approach through continual attempts and consistent belief in oneself. I believe in my self-esteem and appreciate that for success, one has to take the risks. In the face of adversity and lack of encouragement, one needs to remember that good things do not come east. As the authors suggests big things do not come easy. The compelling and lonely path often has good returns.
However, this does not mean shutting one’s ears from the counsel of others. It only calls for a critical consideration of the talk from others. It also puts a case for self-esteem and confidence. In approaching this issue, one is best advised to engage his thought process fully and interrogate the situation without bias. In the long run, the idea portends a bright future for its conformers. It reminds the world of the need for self-determination and commitment for a purpose. Finally, the application of this skills for me would act in consonance with my belief in taking risks. For I believe the higher the risk, the higher the returns.
If you accept the pain, it cannot hurt you
This ideal appeals for the reason that it encourages one to take that forward step that people often fear taking. It reminds us that losing in trying does not equal failure. The author rightly puts it that while failure means gaining absolutely nothing from something, in trying, one learns a lot and gains a lot of experience. The author advises accordingly that one should not be obsessed with success. Rather, the motive should be developing the culture of trying out.
This is a weakness on my part. Ordinarily, I prefer going for things I have conviction of succeeding at. I often find it hard trying just for the sake of experience or knowledge. I like going for the ultimate prize. However, the author makes a lot of sense that I find appealing and applicable. I intend to horn the skill by developing that trying attitude. In addition one would be slow to engage in activity that are painful, gruelling but uncertain in returns. As the author puts it, it does not kill, it merely hurts.
In applying this ideal, I will be alert not to miss the point in the name of trying. This is in appreciation of the fact that some activities are not worth it. One must not be blinded from realities and facts. In that strain, I would engage in only that which gives me constructive and positive experience. For experience is only useful if applicable in positive courses.
References
MacLeod, H. (n.d.). How To Be Creative.
