Blogcritics has a post by motivational speaker Craig Harper. You'll probably be inclined to dismiss it as the same hoo haw most motivational speakers tout, but his get tough attitude really resonates with me.
They are forever having the same conversations about the same issues, but don't do anything. They tell themselves (and anyone stupid enough to listen) how disadvantaged they are, so then they don't actually have to get off their arse and change their situation or circumstance because obviously it's all beyond their control.
Sure it is, Pinocchio.
Boo Hoo.
I've realized that a lot of what I take for granted is this kind of defeatist thinking. Take my weight. For years I kept fantisizing about being rich and having the time and money to really get in shape - hire a personal trainer and chef, have my own fab gym at home, blah, blah, blah. In December I realized that money and time weren't the problem - my viewpoint was.
Am I such a loser that I need to have a personal chef who personally approves every morsel that goes in my mouth? Am I so weak-willed that I can only work out if I hire a drill seargent to force me? Of course not!
Of course, this means taking personal responsibility - something Americans are loathe to do. (It's not my fault I'm fat - someone's got to pay - let's sue the burger industry)
It is odd. Look at the popularity of shows like Judge Judy, Dr. Phil and Super Nanny. They all have a theme of forcing people to take personal responsibility for their actions. Yet we Americans don't take that advice in our personal lives. Could the popularity of these shows mean that we are yearning for someone to tell us to shape up?
I'd like to think so, however the truth probably is that we like to see other people forced to take responsibility for their actions. Because everybody else is the problem, right?
Comment Preview