Topic: The Big Ideas / #225. Differences

This is obviously a hot topic currently as we watch the political debates ramp up. For the most part I’ve found it to be more beneficial to observe differences & perspectives rather than to react and involve myself or participate in someone else’s issues. Which, if you get to the heard of it, are mostly personal. Play your own game, not someone else’s.

Not to suggest there is no value in voicing your opinions in order to make a positive difference, but to first understand that people are “where they are” because of what they’ve chosen to think up to this point, is a very beneficial insight to possess. Whatever stage in life we are in, at this particular moment, is determined by so many things: upbringing, culture, education, religion, personal growth or lack of, the thoughts we’ve consciously chosen, etc..

Forcing our own influence automatically creates more resistance. Being wise enough NOT to take other’s beliefs and opinions personally allows us to be in a place where we can continue focusing on our own issues and appreciate the fact that others are allowing us to have our own voice.

Topic: The Big Ideas / #78. Quit Worrying About What Others Think

Thanks Brian. Good subject, and you nailed it. Some more thoughts:

“You wouldn’t worry about what people thought of you, if you knew how seldom they do.” – Anon
“Don’t worry about what the neighbors think, because they don’t.” – Earl Nightingale
“If most people said what was on their mind, they’d be speechless.” – Earl Nightingale
“Someone’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality.” – Les Brown

Topic: The Big Ideas / #354. Critics

Great quote Bri!! I just want to follow that thought with a few others:

“To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” – Elbert Hubbard
“All of us could take a lesson from the weather. It pays no attention to criticism.” – Anonymous
“A critic is a man who knows the way but can’t drive the car.” – Kenneth Tynan

A couple on cynics as well…
“The cynic knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.” – Oscar Wilde
And one my dad just told me… “A cynic is someone who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin.”

Topic: The Big Ideas / #226. Little Things

I totally agree. What we consider details are actually critical to the greater accomplishment. They are the lube to the gear. Whether it’s that little note you write to your kids/wife/whoever, that extra minute you spend cleaning up and organizing, that moment you think “I better do it now”, etc. It helps to pave the way for the next phase. It encourages progress and advancement. What’s not to like about that?

Topic: The Big Ideas / #3. Feed Your RAS

Great subject. It’s so true… WE ONLY SEE WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR!
“What we see depends mainly on what we’re looking for.” – Sir John Lubbock