The Blog Of

Wow, two weeks and not one blog post...that's lame. After doing a lot of work and school stuff these past two weeks I had trouble making the effort and time to write a quality blog post. I was sorta of thinking that it needed to be a expertly crafted and lengthy post and that's WRONG. I will now be posting a lot more frequently (still "good" content) with ideas, thoughts and observations that I haven't been able to publish. 

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One thought: I recently received Jack Canfield's The Success Principles book which really epitomizes "self help". After reading a discomforting and slightly arrogant introduction I started flipping through the book and came across a section titled, "Just Say No!". Canfield goes onto state that

We suffer under project and productivity overload at work-taking on more than we can comfortably deliver in an unconscious desire to impress others, get ahead, and keep up with others' expectations. Meanwhile, our top priorities go unaddressed." 

After briefly explaining the need to say no to people, he lists several of his "don't do" policies. Examples - 

- I don't lend money. I am not a bank.

- I never lend my car to anyone for any reason.

- I don't give endorsements for books of fiction.

- I no longer coauthor books with first-time authors. Their learning curve is too time-consuming and expensive.

- I don't take any calls on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those are writing days.

I don't know about you, but I'm personally like to define myself by what I can do for you, not what I can't, won't or like to do. These "don't do" policies just present an aura of superiority and a false sense of confidence in oneself.

At this stage in my life, I enjoy taking the time and energy to do what I want but also what other's ask of me [within reason]. I want to be that generous person who is willing to "give the shirt off his back" and I also believe "A simply way in life to be successful: be helpful" - @jonathanmead. 

Here's something to think about. Canfield's "don't do" policies could be great things..but too bad they will never be.

- He could invest some angel money to a budding entrepreneur who could go onto launch a successful startup and the next Google/FB/Twitter...

- Could lend a car to someone that needs to save money and doesn't have to purchase a rental. That person could also do someone else a favor and give them a ride. 1 action = multiple positive outcomes

- Could give an endorsement to the next "J.K Rowling". Instead, he can never endorse a friend of his who happens to be a fiction writer (aka a genre he doesn't particularly like)

- Could give some of his "valuable" time to an author aspiring to be the next successful "Jack Canfield". But instead, the young driven and talented individual won't be supported.

- Could have chatted with a long time forgotten classmate. Could have connected with a future business partner. Could have had an amazing talk with a grandson or granddaughter. Nope..won't happen on Tues and Thurs.

Conclusion

"I wish more people would extend a hand and ask how they can help someone else. We spend so much time selfishly trying to build brands, and grow followers. Perhaps launch companies, or release products. We forget that people are the most important resource we have in the creation and achievement of dreams. And a simple extension of your hand–without expectation–can accelerate your ability to achieve your goals." - Micah @ learntoduck

This thought encompasses a few guaranteed future blog posts along with a list of "Can Do" policies. Any thoughts or comments? Leave below..or email me at [ryandawidjan@gmail.com]