We Have Met The Enemy and He Is Us - Pogo's Great Line
There is only one person with who you are competing.
It is not your neighbor.
It is not your childhood bully.
It is not your coworker.
It is you.
So why are you the enemy?
We always seem to struggle with this. We always are so quick to blame our faults on someone or something else. When in reality we are the ones who are in control. You are the one holding the joystick.
Do we not understand that we create the world we exist in?
Each of us has the power to shape our own world. To create our own destiny. Yet, most people do not believe that. They believe that they are like a plastic bag floating in the wind. Whose journey is dictated by factors outside their control.
Until you harness the power of owning your destiny you will live in a world that is not designed for you.
There are 3 main reasons why you are the enemy.
You set your own limits. There is a quote by Richard Feynman where he says “you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool.” It is really common for us to believe the limitations we set for ourselves. The obscure reasons we can’t do something. We focus on the “why we shouldn’t” vs the “why we should.” It’s subtle, but you will notice it if you pay attention. Let me use an example: “I can’t start a company, I don’t have enough money/ I’m not smart enough/ It is too late for me”
You believe the rules. Here is one of the basic truths of civilization. Every rule that exists was created by someone. Rules aren’t created with your best interest at heart. In fact, some rules were actually created to harm you. Bend the rules. Shape the world to your liking. The rigid world is much more malleable than it first appears to be.
You do not have your best interest at heart. This is a peculiar thing. But, we see it ring true time and time again. Most people know what they could do to improve their life. They could drink less. Read more. Spend less time on social media. Ditch their going-nowhere friends. Or countless other obvious things. But, most don’t. Most keep on keeping on. Down the same path. Why? Is it out of fear? Is it out lack of willpower? Or is it hopelessness? It is tough to say. Maybe a mix. But, the fact is that what you need to do and what you want to don’t always line up.
Today marks one year of Not For Hire. It’s funny. In some ways, I feel like it was just yesterday I decided that I wanted to begin this journey, but in other ways, it feels like something that I have done for years. For those of you who have followed along, I appreciate it.