Fake It ‘Til You Make It—With These 2 Things

As a recent college graduate (can I even call myself that anymore since it’s been exactly a year already?), just beginning a career in marketing, I find myself looking up a lot. Even when I’m looking down—typing at my computer, reading through papers on my desk, etc.—I’m still looking up! There isn't anything physical up above me drawing my attention. There’s no chandelier hanging down dazzling me with fine golden detail and a radiant glow—there is something just as beautiful and desirable though, something intangible, and my mind is constantly focused on it.

What is it? It’s experience. Experience looms over me. My superiors, my colleagues, and clients all have it. Some have varying degrees of it, but the majority of them have a lot of it. They have a deep understanding of business and are extremely well-versed in marketing strategy. They are seasoned veterans who know the ins and outs of the industry—their strategic high-level thinking together with their ability to drill down “into the weeds” and proficiently address minor details is incredible. They know the answers. They know the next steps. Their minds have developed over time to become solution-generators. It’s second nature to them, but something that I’m only beginning to truly develop. I listen, observe, and soak up as much as I can. Very often I’ll witness one of these sharp marketers do or say something extremely insightful. It makes my eyes light up and my mind do a double-take!

(This isn’t some ploy to gain favor with the individuals I am speaking of—trust me, they have better things to do than read my posts. I’m simply expressing my desire for their level of ability. On the off chance that they do come across this though…boom! Brownie points secured for sure.)

I work in an environment where most of the professionals I interact with have been around awhile. They’ve been in the working world long enough to speak of “past lives”—previous jobs or even entirely different careers. To put it into perspective, the Creative Director of the agency I work at has done work for companies beginning with every letter of the alphabet! I imagine you’d have to be around awhile to have done work for a “V,” “X,” “Y,” “Z,” or “Q!” It blows my mind. When a lot of these folks were earning their first promotions I was just getting out of diapers! Obviously I have some catching up to do.

I cannot help but think about the skills, talent, and knowledge all around me and the experience that developed and refined it. It’s amazing, it’s intimidating. It frustrates, yet inspires. I love it. I hate it. I want it!

How do I get it? With such a gap between myself and the professionals around me, how can I join in their ranks?

I've found that these two qualities do the trick.

Confidence
Believe and trust yourself in the workplace. Don’t be afraid to perform. When you are doing something new or something you are unsure about, approach it with focus and then respond to the outcomes proactively. Trust the experience and education you've cultivated, regardless of how it stacks up against everyone else’s. Picture who you want to be and be it, picture what you want to do and do it.

Not too long ago, I read Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill—I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to accomplish something amazing, but needs a little motivation and perspective. He discusses keys to success. One concept that came to mind as I was writing this was autosuggestion, “the agency of communication between that part of the mind where conscious thought takes place, and that which serves as the seat of action for the subconscious mind.” Put in another way, it is all of the stimuli you create that reach your mind. Hill conveys the importance of autosuggestion by stating its implications: “Every man is what he is because of the dominating thoughts which he permits to occupy his mind… [those thoughts] will eventually reproduce themselves in outward, physical action, and gradually transform themselves into physical reality.” Essentially the thoughts that you feed your subconscious mind will become reality. Hill says that if you consistently feel yourself in possession of that which you desire, it will eventually be yours.

If you consistently internalize the idea of having experience and abilities beyond your current state and are confident that you will attain the heights you seek, your actions will work to that end and you will have what you want.

Persistence
Being the best at what you do isn't easy. Getting better and better, improving over time is much easier. That’s persistence. You need to show up every day and consistently give it your best shot. Be mindful of what you have done so you can change moving forward. Mistakes and failures are just guideposts, or rather caution flags, for future action. Always cultivate new knowledge. Ask questions, find answers, figure how things work, and how those things work together with other things and you’ll be on your way to true understanding that usually only comes with time.

Do you want to be the person everyone looks at and says, “Wow, I've been in his shoes” or, “Yeah, I remember when I was just starting out like that?” No! You don’t want to be that person. You want people to look at you and say, “That kid just keeps coming back for more! He’s going to do something big one day.”

I realized you don’t have to have it all figured out. The experience will come, but until then you just need to keep on keepin’ on and never skip a beat!

And remember, Rome wasn't built in a day.

Boom!

Wear A Riskwatch!

Image Courtesy of John Kasawa
www.freedigitalphotos.net

A lot of people have accomplished great things through conservative means, 

but what about the people that made it big, real big, the ones who did things 

that changed the world and truly made an impact? 

They took risks.

“Steve, where have you been?  We’ve been checking your blog religiously, but have not seen a single post since October of 2012!  We are worried sick.  You probably haven’t seen all of our fan mail either!”

Rest assured!  I’m back—alive and well!  Better than usual actually!

Emerging from my impregnable shelter earlier this month, I was shocked to see the world intact and society functioning as usual—it turns out the 2012 Mayan prophecy was a sham!  I was expecting an apocalyptic wasteland when I resurfaced.  I was ready to take on the challenge of rebuilding the planet and had plans to bring our world back to its previous state and go a step further by catapulting our civilization into the future with extraordinary enhancements.  Since there has not been any catastrophic event calling me to heroic action, I am forced to continue in my more basic pursuits.

After my earth-shattering realization (oh the irony), I returned to my societal routines.  I was back in a system of order, and accountability.  The other week I was reminded of one of the most fundamental features of our society—time!  I was prompted to “spring forward,” adjusting for daylight savings by advancing an hour ahead (or as I like to view it, travel through time).  From seconds to minutes, hours to days, years and beyond, we continually track the passing of time—we’ve devised units of measure and have been able to coordinate the far reaches of the world to operate within an elaborate framework of tics and tocs.

Since taking on the role of account executive at a marketing firm, I have been very conscious of timing.  Countless campaigns, meetings, and project deliverables all must be scheduled and coordinated.  I need to be cognizant of when all of the agency’s work must happen, and manage my own time efficiently to ensure I do everything promptly.

Given the nature of my position, I figured a watch would be a useful tool to incorporate into my wardrobe.  Tracking the time is very important and gives you an upper hand in almost any situation—it gives you more awareness leading to more control over outcomes.  I’ve come to realize a few key truths ever since donning the slick Casio with the black strap: 

1. Your time is limited.  If history can provide any foresight, you will not live forever.
2. Opportunities come and go.  You’ve probably heard the expression, “window of opportunity.”  They present themselves for a finite period, but can shut you out in an instant.
3.  Time will move forward.
• You’re constantly aging!
• Regardless of what you do or what happens to you, time will continue on its merry way.

Each of these truths made me think about how I have been using my time, my precious time!  I came away with one major idea—I should be taking more risks!  For all of the reasons above! 

If you know something will make you happier, but it involves a risk in order to happen, just remember:

1. Your time is limited.  Take your chance while you can.
2.  Opportunities come and go.  Move quickly!  When life surprises you with a daily double, and it’s in a category you’re fairly confident with, you make it a true daily double!  You wager it all (okay, everything but $1—you don’t want to be that guy that didn’t make it to final jeopardy), take advantage of the opportunity, and place yourself on the path to success!
3. Time will move forward.  
• Your future is closer than you think.  What do you dream it to be like!?  Take the risk to make that dream a reality.
• Oh yeah, risks can result in negative consequences too, but the clock will keep running, life will go on!  Take your shot, and rest assured that the world will carry on, you’ll learn from any misfortune, and you can continue the pursuit.

Risks can be physical, emotional, financial, social, professional etc.  In the pursuit of being what you want to be and achieving that which you wish, there will come a time when you know a risk must be taken to move to that next level.  Tic toc.  Tic toc.  Tic toc.

Accept that feeling of vulnerability for a change, feel alive.  Be reminded by wearing a watch.

Make the move, take the risk!

Boom!  

You Don’t Have To Wait Until Halloween To Be Something

wait for it...

When you’re young you’re often asked the question, “What do you want to be [when you grow up]?”  Once you reach a certain age the question becomes, “What do you do [for a living]?” 

This slight change in wording can alter your perception of everything, including yourself.  Somewhere along the line, the sense of passion, personality, and possibility has a tendency to fade away.  The original question that we often hear as youngsters, is centered around “us,” you and I as individuals.  It hints at a future in which you will “be” something, stand for something, and act purposefully.  The second question lacks the personality component that the first contains.  It hints at an existence where tasks are performed to sustain oneself and fails to acknowledge the core values driving those actions. 

Some people might say something to the contrary, proposing that doing is more important than being, by saying, “aren’t actions more important than words, and don’t your actions define who you are?”  I would say that yes, your actions are important.  They do define you in a sense; more precisely, they define the “you” that you become.  Our actions, though, are driven by who we are, which includes who we want to be.  Our actions are things that follow and result from those initial values and ideas.    

So obviously, who we “are” is important.

So to maintain that meaningful perception of ourselves and others I propose a few things:

• Think of yourself first as a collection of values, and meaningful ideas and then secondly as the things you do as a result

• Respond to inquiries about what you do by talking about who you are (your past, your interests, key personality traits, values, wants etc.) and then lead into the things you do (your profession, roles, functions, activities)

•  This doesn’t have to be a long drawn out story either

• Frame questions to others with the word “being” in mind; rather than asking, “what do you do?” which is very limiting, you can say, “tell me about yourself,” which will reveal qualities, characteristics, and reasons behind a person’s actions

“Steve, what do you do?”

(I could give a dull answer and then follow up with more information or…)

“Well, I really love working with people and enjoy being part of a creative process.  I have a strong interest in business, especially the strategies used to reach customers.  I am Assistant Account Executive at The Verdi Group, a marketing firm that helps clients gain strong customer and prospect response through the implementation of unique and powerful solutions.  I coordinate projects for clients, ensuring their timely, cost effective, and quality completion and successful implementation.” 

A couple of sentences at the beginning of the response gives some insight into who I am and why I am doing what I do. 

Using this perspective might even lead you to realize that what you are doing doesn't parallel who you are or who you want to be.    

Be something!

Since Halloween is right around the corner I have been hard at work brainstorming what I will be.  I’m going as some type of “duo” with my friend.  I thought I would share some of the best ideas:

• One of us with a t-shirt reading, “Legen,” the other, “Dary”

• One of us with a t-shirt reading, “Somebody, that you used to know,” and the other, “Somebody, that you’ll call… maybe”

• Prince William (dressed very preppy) and Prince Harry (no clothes needed!)

• Hockey player and coach with locks around our necks (NHL Lockout)

• Scientist and Scientologist

• iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 (both dressed in white, but one slightly taller than the other)

BOOm!

Diamonds Are Not Forever

Image Courtesy of Anusorn P Nachol
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Do you feel that chill?  If you are one of my many readers hailing from the tropics, I do not mean the breeze flowing from the vent in your air-conditioned dwelling.  I am of course referring to the actual climate change occurring in the North-Eastern United States.  Winter is already creeping in on the fall, which has really only just arrived.  Sadly, this means that summer has passed.  It couldn't last forever, just like everything else.

The summer is always a wonderful season; it’s warm, bright, and full of adventure.  This year’s was even more of a treat thanks to all of the excitement of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games held in London.  In my opinion, the greatest moment of the games, beyond the games, would have to be the opening ceremony.  There are two main reasons.  First off, her majesty (is that really necessary when the next part of your title is “Queen”…) Queen Elizabeth II was escorted to the Olympic Games, via helicopter ride and then an adrenaline-fueled parachute jump, by none other than James Bond (cue the 007 spy theme).  Secondly, Sir Paul McCartney concluded the ceremony beautifully and powerfully with the Beatles’ hit “Hey Jude.”

The other day I was reminded of those two iconic components of British pop culture, James Bond and The Beatles.  October 5, 2012 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the release of the first James Bond film, Dr. No, and the Beatles’ debut single “Love Me Do.”  I was stunned to hear this very interesting and hard-to-believe fact.  Moments later my attention was grabbed by a trailer for the newest James Bond film, Skyfall.  My mind immediately began to wander and recall the fond memories of the countless 007 movies I have seen in the past.  My mind raced with characters, actors, gadgets, locales, and film titles.  Bond, James Bond, Connery, Brosnan, Carmen Electra, Pussy Galore, Aston Martin, grapple gun, jetpack, ski pole gun, Prague, Venice, the Bahamas, Goldfinger, The World Is Not Enough, From Russia With Love, Diamonds Are Forever.  Who doesn't love James Bond!? 

A few days after this surge in spy-related thought, the title Diamonds Are Forever still lingered.  I thought about that phrase for a while.  The words “diamond” and “forever” have been used together before.  The line, “A Diamond is Forever” was created in the 1950s by an advertising copy-writer working on the De Beers account.  It is definitely one of the most impactful and well-known tag lines in advertising history.  In my opinion, it perfectly and poetically represents the enduring physical characteristics of, and strong emotional bond (advertising at its best) created by a diamond. 

It is great copy-writing, but haven’t you ever heard of someone losing their diamond ring, or having a change of heart?  Boom!  Nothing is forever, not even a diamond.

                                          

Yes, some things last longer than others, but in the end nothing will last forever.  This includes things both material and immaterial.  The immaterial part includes ideas, emotions, and feelings.  Some might say that some very enduring things do exist; yes they do, but are they ever completely unchanged?  Change is something that always finds its way into life.  Sometimes it is positive change, sometimes it is negative change, and perhaps even neutral other times.  It is part of the natural ebb and flow.    

If you choose to take this view, you can enjoy more of life and worry about a lot less.

Diagnosis: Fuel-Pump Disorder

Last week I was feeling great (more than usual), and it seemed as though everything was going right.  I hadn't a worry in sight.  Then my car wouldn't start.  I was car-less from Friday at 2:00 p.m. to Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. as the mechanic replaced the fuel pump and then charged handsomely for it.  This problem came without warning and caused some disruption in my schedule.  I should have known all the good feelings couldn't last for long before something like this happened. 

I felt upset and depressed as Friday evening rolled around and I was sort of stranded; one unsuccessful turn of a key and there I was with a big 4,000 lb. problem in front of me.  My best bud was planning to visit that night, but I attempted to preempt the get-together because of a change in mood (I had better things to do like sulk over my misfortune).  Before my friend could respond to my negative expression, I retracted my previous statement and labeled it a lapse in judgment.  I quickly replied with something to the effect of, “scratch that, can’t wait to see you bud; tonight will be legendary.”  He showed up, and we had a blast!  I may not have forgotten about the car issue, but it sure didn't matter as much.

Experiencing a steady period of good fortune, then a low point, and then a high point soon after, made me realize something.  Diamonds are not forever— favorable situations cannot last as long as you’d like, but on the other hand troublesome or adverse periods do not last as long as you fear they might.

Understanding the transitory nature of life teaches us two lessons: 

1.  Embrace the good things, wholeheartedly, while they last.  Be grateful for your health and everything else you have, and cherish the people that are close to you.  Don’t take anything for granted.

2.  Don’t dwell on difficulties, negativities, or losses.  Their effects cannot last forever, especially if you work to overcome them.  As the famous saying goes, “this too shall pass.”

Bam.

The Joy of Competition

Image Source: Melody Burri, Messenger Post Media
What up!  In the zone right here!

This is the 21^st blog post I have written (I am patting myself on the back).  I had planned on the 21^st post to address and explain 21 Orchard, but given the ever-changing nature of the world (I sound so philosophical) the plans changed and that post will have to wait.  The change happened for a good reason though.

Saturday’s events were LEGEN… wait for it, I’ve obviously been watching way too much How I Met Your Mother… DARY!  Yes, like Barney I am very liberal with the use of the term “legendary,” but this account is still worth sharing.  The story begins with a flashback to this past Tuesday.  After a short a period of absence from the gym I went to pump some iron that night.  I did my usual chest and triceps workout, which is pretty exhausting and enough to make me want to devour a 30-gram protein bar in under a minute.  When I was finished, I didn’t leave, and I didn’t have the chocolaty peanut buttery bar in my hand ready for annihilation.  I wasn’t completely finished.  When I first registered at this YMCA I saw that there were a variety of exercise classes held each day that I had access to as a member (can you say VIP?).   This Tuesday I figured I would buckle down and participate in the core-workout class right after weight lifting.  I consider myself to be pretty athletic and felt prepared for this 25-minute session.  In short, it was definitely a workout and more than I expected.  I was using muscles that I haven’t probably ever used, and the rest periods were, well, there were none.  I felt great afterwards though!  It was an intense trip to the gym.  I woke up the next morning, but probably shouldn’t have.  For the next three days I was sorer than I have been in ages.  It felt like Ivan Drago had used my midsection as a punching bag for a half hour straight.  I know why my muscles were sore, but why were my ribs!?  Anyway, it was very uncomfortable, and during those days all I wanted to do was lay down (and watch How I Met Your Mother).

While I was in this state of recovery I was worried.  What was I worried about?  I felt like I wasn’t going to be able to compete in the 5K race that I had signed up for, which was to be held in a few short days.  I had dropped $20.00 for the race which would be my first of the kind.  I didn’t want the money to be lost, and I had been so excited to compete.  I enjoy going for runs, and I figured the race could be a lot of fun.  Also, it had been a while since I had been a part of a competition.  Fantasy football is definitely competitive, but it doesn’t have that physicality I need!  On Friday night I knew that there would be a game-time decision for this early-morning 5K.  I came home from work, ate, and went to bed early (my aching body needed only two things: protein and sleep).  I’d mention the exact time I hit the hay, but then I might be likened to a 70 year-old man; I will not stand for that!

I woke up on Saturday with enough time to make my decision.  Bam!  It was made!  I was doing this thing.  I woke up feeling refreshed, and ready to conquer the world.  I made it to the race location, received my number, and gathered with the rest of the runners.  I was there to compete and despite the sight of some very conditioned athletes, I was still pumped and ready to perform. 

I had my back-up iPod in hand, because my go-to iPod had died a few weeks back.  The aging iPod Mini in my grasp was an unreliable piece of audio equipment, but I was hoping it could last the race (more incentive to run fast).  Blondie’s Heart of Glass  was all queued up (I’m an 80s music fan) and ready to send some motivating vibes through my ears, but the iPod battery shut down immediately and the screen turned darker than night.  Seconds later the signal was given to start the race.  I started running, and I kept hold to the ounces of electrical circuitry that once brought me musical pleasure, but now was nothing more than a piece of junk weighing me down.

After 15 seconds I was in third place overall!  I told myself to start strong and feel the pace of the front-runners.  They were fast indeed!  I was soon passed by some sweaty bodies (so much for third), but after a while I felt like I was in a good position and moving at a decent pace.  The occasional runner passed me as I continued forward.  There were a lot of hills and I was definitely feeling it in my legs and lungs.  I still had the iPod in my hand and I wanted to get rid of it.  As I passed one of the volunteers on the road I lofted the mp3 player to him and said, between breaths, “You can have it!”  He looked at me strangely, but caught it and gave a nod of understanding.  Bam!  The worthless iPod was gone.  I would be able to sprint ahead feeling lighter than ever right?  In a dream world, yes.  In the real world, no.  It was nice having my hands free, but that didn’t mean much for the rest of my body.  There was a lot of road ahead and I had to maintain my pace.  I tucked the headphone jack into my waistband (they're decent headphones) and carried on.    

As I continued up and down the route (mostly up considering the long hills) I saw spectators on the side of the road.  They made positive and inspirational comments and held out cups of water for the runners!  I thought to myself, “This is awesome. I’ve only seen this kind of stuff on television.”  I wasn’t thirsty and wasn’t over heated, but I grabbed a cup of water and threw it back in my face and neck like a seasoned veteran.  I couldn’t pass it up.  I had to immerse myself in the experience.

After that brief splash of amusement, I realized there was still about a mile left.  After that “checkpoint” where I knew the distance, I was starting to struggle.  I asked two people on the side of the road how far the finish line was, but they apparently had no clue.  A handful of minutes passed and I was wondering how much longer I could hold out.  Then, I heard someone off to the right say, “Keep it up!  Only a hundred yards left.”  At that moment I thought to myself, “Whew!  Let’s finish this baby strong!”  I looked ahead, and I could see the finish line.  There were two men ahead of me, within striking distance!  I kicked it into sprint mode (as close to it as possible) and I saw the distance between myself and the other two runners lessen.  I was going to do it!  I had the adrenaline pumping and I managed to pass both of them.  I leaned forward as I crossed the finish line (a little dramatic in hindsight) and was elated to have had such a strong and successful push at the end.  I was done. 

I spent some time regaining my breath and took a seat on a curb.  A woman came up to me shortly after and said, “You’re just the man I’m looking for.  What’s your name?”  That happens to me all the time with random women (I wish).  Anyway!  Me.  Picture.  Newspaper.  Bam!  I don’t consider myself to be photogenic, but something about my final effort to the finish caught this woman’s eye, and she snapped the shot featured above.    

A little later I checked the finish times, and although a lot of individuals finished before me I placed 1^st in my age group (19-24)!  Success!  A few days prior I was struggling to straighten my torso, but in this moment I was a champ.              

The awards ceremony took place about an hour later.  I was so hungry at that point.  Much to my surprise, I had won not only a blue ribbon but a $10.00 gift certificate to a restaurant as well.  It happened to be a restaurant right near my apartment that I had wanted to try.  That was convenient.  The gyro I ended up having definitely hit the spot.

All in all it was a wonderful day.  I had an awesome experience, met some great people before and after the race, and gained some motivation to continue pushing my physical limits and enter more races and competitions in general.   

Compete!  It gives you a shot at winning, which is always a great feeling, and even if you don’t win, the experience is usually thrilling and filled with fun.  If you find yourself in a similar position that I did, uncertain about competing because of some reason (soreness), think about the wise words coined by some unknown advertising copywriter working for Nike and “just do it.”

Bam!

Yo, I'm 80

Image Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
www.freedigitalphotos.net

Making a strong declaration with a confident tone is an admirable and respectable action that isn’t done that frequently.  It extends beyond the words spoken and displays the strong conviction and belief an individual has in an idea and in themselves.  How often have you heard someone inflect their voice at the end of their speech indicating uncertainty?  I know that the latter happens far more often (see what I did there?).  So what leads people to this confident state of being where a statement can be made without feeling an ounce of doubt?

I believe that having a positive attitude regarding yourself and your position in life, whatever it may be, leads to a more confident disposition, more fulfilling experiences, and a generally happier time on this earth.  If you can embrace who you are, where you came from, and what you stand for then everything else appears to be much clearer.  It becomes easier to take risks confidently and disregard the consequences of failure.

This idea sort of revealed itself to me a few days ago at a public library.  I am currently without an internet connection in my new apartment, and so I have been venturing the hundred steps or so to the local library (great location, I know) nearly every day.  While I was using far more than my fair share of bandwidth (I have yet to obtain my library card), I noticed something.  An elderly gentleman gingerly made his way through the stacks and carefully took a seat near the Large Print shelf.  What caught my attention was the baseball cap he had on.  It was plain gray except for the baby blue lettering on the front, above the brim.  It read, “Yo, I’m 80.”

I was excited in an instant.  Here was someone that just made an incredible first impression on me by doing nothing more than feature a strong idea on his attire.  As soon as I read the enlivening expression I imagined this man saying it to someone.  I imagined him saying it as though he were brushing off some insignificant mishap, justifying his knowledge and wisdom, or just introducing himself (after an unexpected, hip handshake) and making a strong impression.  In any instance, the statement sends the message that this guy knows who he is, and he is proud of it (maybe even cocky…).

Some people might say a confident move is made when you believe what you say or do.  I realized that a true confident move occurs when you say or do what you believe.  This guy believed he and his age were awesome and he expressed it.  Once you understand yourself and acknowledge your strengths and accept your shortcomings (which you might soon turn into strengths) and take a positive view of them, you’ll know and believe yourself.  Everything you do from that point will exude confidence because it comes from the internal belief.

Who are you?  Figure it out and believe it!  Be bold!

Yo, I’m 22!

Bam.

The Opposition Network: Your Key To Achievement

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Have you ever accomplished something that required you to put forth great amounts of effort?  I’m sure you have.  Have you ever seen someone else post-triumph?  I’m sure you have seen that.  In the moments after achievement one can look back at the road to victory.  I’m sure you have thought about how you made it to that winning moment, or have seen a glimpse of another’s path to success. 

The picture that comes to mind is someone accepting an award or being commemorated.  Traditionally a few words are offered by the recipient of the recognition.  These are most often words of thanks that are directed toward teammates, mentors, soul mates, coaches, family, friends, co-workers or other members of their support network.  These are people that have helped to bring the individual to new heights by providing emotional strength, bestowing knowledge, offering guidance, collaborating, motivating, inspiring, and caring. 

I believe this network is very important in aiding an individual’s pursuits, but I believe that a different network creates a far superior desire and motivation for success. 

I like to call the other group the opposition network.

The opposition network is filled with naysayers, fierce competitors, disapproving individuals, and those dishing out the cold hard truth.  It is a network that mines deep within your soul and starts a fire that emits sparks of doubt, pain, punishment and fear that reach every part of your being.  In response to this the body overpowers the flames and infuses elements of desire, meaning, drive, purpose and justice.    

Although it is powerful, the support network will not allow you to reach your full potential.  I see the support network as being a set of individuals with positive outlooks; these outlooks can delude them and the individual they are supporting.  There seems to be a lack of truth and reality in this network.  That is where the opposition network comes in.

The opposition network completes the picture, offering a clear view.  It enhances purpose and motivation.  It gives you someone to prove wrong, others to compete against and critics to learn from.  It is a relentless force that can push you to the limits and in turn reach greatness. 

In an effort to build this network, which I highly suggest considering the benefits, try to:

Pinpoint Competitors

A competitor will keep you on your toes, offer you a way to measure yourself, and push you to perform at your best.  This competition can range from a friendly contest to an intense rivalry in which there is a single focus on outdoing the other in a quest to be number one.

Find The Naysayers

Listen closely to find those around you that either do not believe in you or believe in what you are pursuing.  Use this as motivation to show them you CAN and to prove the worthiness of your pursuits.

Seek The Truth

In an effort to develop, you need to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.  You need to know the ins and outs of your efforts and the variables present in your environment.  Find the people that will offer you the truth without regard for your feelings.  The raw information will be the feedback necessary to focus your attention on areas that need improvement. 

Finding the optimum balance between your support and opposition will give you the best chance for success.  

Use the opposition!