It’s not what you might think. The self-made rich are fearless, bold, and daring. They value their own opinions, ideas and philosophies over anyone elses, and are largely unaffected by criticism and rejection. This is not the case with the majority of the population, and it holds most of us back from staking our claim. Watch this short video post and take the test. I’ll look forward to your comments. Steve Siebold (1:38 )
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I am here, commenting for the first time.
Oddly enough, I was a 2 or 3 in my last position, as a subcontractor. And I got fired for being a 2 or 3.
Then I got a regular job, and I went back to being an 8, because I wasn’t out there doing it for myself.
Now, I have entered networking/distribution, and I’m reducing that number. An example: There’s a weekly conference call I usually miss now because of my working hours. Well, this week, I timed my break to start at the beginning of the call, I called in, and 15 mins later when my break was up, I was still listening, and I didn’t hang up. Turned my phone upside down on my desk, and kept on listening. THAT was more important than making sure my bosses were happy at that time.
9….8…7…6….
You’re position on this is “dead on.” I began an MLM out of my home when I retired. It has been an up hill struggle but I have finally “broken thru” the thoughts that were holding me back. And the biggest obstacles I had to over come was wondering what people would think if I approached them with my business. (I had wonderful help with this from a friend of yours–Jan Payne!) A couple of weeks ago I conducted an experiment at a Chamber of Commerce meeting I attended. When I introduced myself to a new person I would watch their facial expressions when I told them I worked from home as an independent distributor; then a few sentences later, I would mention that I was a retired assistant superintendent for a local school district. Their level of interest and friendliness increased at that point. I only did this with 2 or 3 people but each response was the same. These interactions helped me feel more confident because I realized I was in control of the direction the conversation went by how I chose to respond to them. Now I don’t watch for approval, but I do watch and listen for their interest. That is when the real conversation can begin.
Am I wrong about this? Am I missing something? The lack of posts on this topic which should resonate in the mind of everyone reading it validates a critical thinking mental toughness disconnect when it comes to even thinking about the subject and having something to say about it.
Why have only a few people exercised themselves here by posting an opinion or observation?
Mike
Hello everybody,
Special thank you to steve, you posted an inspirational post here.
Right now, using a scale of 1 to 7, i don’t think i can enter into it. I’d put myself at 9. really. but from now i will make changes after reading this post. I am not discouraged, but have feeling finally, day by day i am setting myself to become rich person in this world. 🙂
Can anyone post some ideas how can i improve my level here? I am not shy, i am willing to change myself and interested.
Thank you all of you,
Post more thoughts, Please.
Ravin
Here’s an attitude that stands apart. When Bob Dylan came out in his twenties with a blues rock sound he was booed and hissed at and scorned by the fans. When asked about it and how he felt he said it was OK, that they were’nt booing at him but rather thinking of something else, and that too much kindness can kill you.
I wrote a short piece last year – you can find in online if you want – comparing Donald Trump and Bob Dylan. The comparision had to do with their singular stand and unwillingness to compromise themselves AND accept adversity as just part of the game of life.
There’s a scene near the end if the movie “Sometimes A Great Notion” the title of the book Ken Kesey wrote taken from Ledbelly’s version of “Goodnight Irene” I can’t forget. Henry Fonda is leading a raft of logs down the river and as people boo and cuss and want to kill him and what he’s doing and what he stands for he has in front of him on the barge a pole with his hand – that got cut off in a logging accident – stuck on top middle finger staight up in the air giving a hearty salute to all the union booers and town’s folks he went up against.
As Tom Petty sang, I won’t back down.
Mike
Steve,
Using a scale of 1 to 7, as you suggested, I’d put myself around a 2 or 3. It’s not that I care if other people approve of my ideas and what I’m doing. What trips me up is the mentally impoverished/mentally deconditioned state of the masses that I encounter on a daily basis.
Most people are too poor to pay attention to what’s going on around them and lack the stamina to remain focused longer than 6 seconds on anything other than where their next ‘comfort fix’ is coming from.
It’s the never ending encounters with these kinds of people that wears me down sometimes. But no matter how often I get discouraged I always come back to the only practical alternative; continue and remain confident that I will break through.
Be Well,
Jaroslav
Excellent topic, Steve, love the new content format(video).
I ran into a rather fitting quote, during my studies, tonight; it was written in the 1890’s, so the English is dated:
“What one pursues another persecutes. He is an insufferable ass that would regulate everything according to other’s ideas. Excellences do not depend on a single man’s pleasure. So many men, so many taste, all different. There is no defect not affected by some, nor need we lose heart if things please not some, for others will appreciate them. Nor need their applause turn our head, for there will surely be others to condemn. The real test of praise is the approbation of famous men and experts in the matter. You should aim to be independent of any one vote, of any one fashion, of any one century.” -Balthasar Gracian
So what I’ve gotten from you, as well as Balthasar, is that we should restrain from seeking approval amateurs as well as the middle class, and instead strive to seek the praise of the World Class?
Steve,
I like this topic a lot, because it has affected my results in the past in a negative way, and by making steady corrections toward not wanting or ‘needing’ the approval of others, I have been able to shift the momentum in my favor.
In the past, on a scale of 1-7, I was at a 9. But now, I’m right between 2 and 3. I, like Mike above, see the importance in seeing the world with an open mind. However, I think FAR more critically now. Rather than swinging the pendulum aggressively from the “approval addicted” side, I gently but firmly swung it to where it has to be to succeed as an entrepreneur.
Great topic and keep up the good work.
~JT
“They value their own opinions, ideas and philosophies over anyone elses, and are largely unaffected by criticism and rejection.” SS
They also listen to the opinions, ideas and philosophies of others – those with highly active minds and not necessarily those who are more instinctively active oriented most of the time – to learn from and evaluate BUT NOT to seek approval.
They will adapt and blend in with people when that’s the best way to negotiate life’s twists and turns not out of fear of criticism or rejection but out of an understanding of actions critical to balance, relationships and success.
They will also voice their opinions without fear when the know it’s important and necessary with no need to nod their head for approval. They stand on their principles.
On a scale of 1 – 10, Steve, I’d put myself in what I just posted wherever that puts me. I don’t always feel bold and fearless and there are times when I shrink away from a situation that later I question. This is an area of self improvement everyone should reflect on and improve for life.
This is a great topic.
Mike