When it comes to life and business, it is no coincidence that some people always
seem to fail while others always seem to flourish. For sure, chance plays a role
in everything. But as individuals, as business-owners, as thinkers, and as
parents, we have a significant degree of control over our lives.
Now, we can use the control that we have to influence outcomes in bad ways.
Or we can use it to influence outcomes in our favor; and in the favor of those we
care about most.
When we use it poorly or when we dont use it at all, it should come as
no surprise that our outcomes are bad. And when we use it thoughtfully
and carefully, it should similarly be less surprising when we succeed.
Let me give you an example. At work, your employer considers you for a
promotion; however, at the same time, she also considers several of your
co-workers for a promotion, too.
Now, as many do, you might immediately say theres nothing I can do to
influence my boss in my favor. Instead, this decision will be determined by
things that are out of my control. And, of course, when the day comes, you will
not get that promotion.
Instead, someone who pushed hard to demonstrate his worthiness for the
position will get the job. And you will be left wondering why that person is
always successful; and always gets promotions, raises, and the adoration of
management.
You might even feel resentment towards that person, even though you
consider him a friend.
When it comes down to it, though, it wasnt your friend who caused you to miss
the promotion (or at least not to give yourself the best shot at getting it). Rather,
it was your own behavior that prevented your boss from seriously considering
you as a candidate.
Fortunately for you, this book is all about situations just like the one we described
above. Its about feeling powerless when youre not; experiencing bad outcomes
when theres no reason to; and finally, its about making sure this problem stops.
Most importantly, this book is about success. It is about extracting the
characteristics of others that make them successful at work, in parenthood, or
in the workplace; and then adopting those characteristics for your own use.
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So, without further ado, lets take the plunge. Today, you will stop telling
yourself that you have no control over your life; and today, you will learn exactly
what it means to take that control, grasp it firmly, and use it to achieve success
in all areas of your life.