Connection with Like-Minded Creators is Important

For a few months now I have been reading posts by Chris Pearson over at Pearsonified.

Chris writes posts that are always informative and teach old-tricks in new ways and in a different light. This may sound like what every one is doing these days – but Chris puts a particularly good spin on everything that entices you to read on!

A recent post of his says

Really good, really smart people actively seek out those with whom they share an intrinsic kinship.

Later it says:

You want to catch the attention of the other intelligent people out there who will listen to you and appreciate you because of who you are? … Be an anomaly.

This is a great idea, but it reminds me of an old adage: “It’s hard to fly like an eagle when you are surrounded by turkeys.” In order to get noticed, one needs to be recognised/seen by people who care and/or understand what it is that makes you believe you are great.

If I sound negative, it’s because I have lived long enough to know that the “I am great therefore I am” method is only one step in the equation. Believing you are something is one thing. Making others believe is whole new ball game.

When I finished high school in 1986, I honestly had no conception of where life was going to take me.

I didn’t have any plans, or any real concerns about the future: I was prepared to let life drag me along without direction. The words “self-belief” were not yet in my vocabulary. Wondering where I was heading didn’t even rate as a concept in my way of thinking.

For a short time (1987-1989) I spent time at TAFE doing a “Associate Diploma in Architectural Drafting“. However, for asilly reason not worth mentioning – I quit. How stupid? Do not answer that. All the what-if’s in the world won’t bring back those years.

I dragged my carcass along life’s freeway for a few years, working in a MOBIL car-wash for some time (If you know the Adelaide CBD, you’ll know the place!), and numerous odd jobs. I even worked as a door-to-door salesperson. It was during these odd jobs that I met and talked with some interesting people in Adelaide. The experiences taught me about self-belief, motivation, inspiration, gaining confidence, and aspirations.

During 1990’s I started purchasing self-help books that would hopefully inspire me.

At that time the CES allowed me to attend free training for a few months a time.

Consequently, I had the opportunity to listen to both local and national public speakers,. During one session we watched a video (anyone old enough to remember BETA?) of Anthony Robbins telling us how small changes can make a difference. He also convinced us to purchase his book: “Giant Steps“. It promotes the idea that we should not concentrate on the final goal, which may seem impossible, but on the small attainable goals on the way to your final destination.

There is one page that is most important and relates to motivation and ongoing personal performance:

“A fundamental law of conditioning is that any pattern that is continuously reinforced will become an automatic and conditioned response. Anything we fail to reinforce will eventually dissipate. / Page 143

Then I went on to get many more books: (as gifts, bought at retail, and bought at garage-sales!)

[EDIT 18.Jan.2017 – Those crossed off have been sold or given away.]

1. Begin It Now – You Have a Purpose by S. Hayward
2. Bag of Jewels by S. Hayward & M. Cohan
3. Getting past NO – Negotiating with Difficult People by W. Ury
4. Live and Learn and Pass It On by H.J. Brown, Jnr
5. Secrets of Power Persuasion – Everything You’ll Ever Need to get Anything You’ll Ever Want by R. Dawson
6. Just Do It – Inspirational & Quotable Gems by H. Mills
7. Mediations from the Road – 365 Daily Lessons by M.S. Peck
8. There’s More to Life than Sex and Money by S. Calwell & D. Johnson
9. When They Zig, You Zag – How to Achieve Success, Health and Happiness by Doing the Opposite to Everyone Else by S. Reynolds
10. Everyone Remembers the Elephant in the Pink Tutu – How to Promote and Publicise Your Business with Impact and Style by M.M. Cronin and S. Caplan
11. Rich Dad, Poor Dad – What the Rich Teach Their Kids about Money – That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by R.T. Kiyosaki
12. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff – at Work – Simple Ways to Minimise Stress and Conflict While Bringing Out the Best in Yourself and Others by R.Carlson
13. Secret Men’s Business – Manhood: The Big Gig by J. Marsden
14. The Millionaire Mind by T.J. Stanley
15. Extreme Success – 7-Part Program That Shows You How to Succeed Without Struggle by R.Fettke
16. Giants of Enterprise – Seven Business Innovators and the Empires They Built by R.S. Tedlow

Although there are many good motivational books, there are only two books truly worthy of reading. I believe high-school students should read them. Forget reciting Shakespeare and contemplating Plato – read these two books:

1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
2. The Official Guide to Success by Tom Hopkins

Life has changed considerably since 1986.

Only two weeks ago was my twenty year high school reunion. Unfortunately I was unable to attend – but it got me thinking about those things that had the most influence on the person I have become today.

Was it the books? The people? The experiences and free-training? Was it the persistence in learning web-design – or just parental influence?

Both of these are my personal favorite books of all times. Both have had influences on the way I interact with people, particularly those who work in the retail industry who want to fleece a few extra dollars out of me.

Anyone else got any good books worth reading?