Quotes
"It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer." —Albert Einstein.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." — Nelson Mandela.
"Life doesn't get easier or more forgiving; we get stronger and more resilient." — Steve Maraboli.
"The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why." — Mark Twain.
"The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself as to why you can't achieve it." - Jordan Belfort.
"Believe in yourself; you will be surprised at what you can accomplish.” —Teronie J. Donaldson (Yep, that’s me cool, right?)
Notes/Observations
Believe in yourself; you will be surprised at what you can accomplish.
This quote was essential for me this week as I stepped into a new leadership role via a construction project I was on.
As much as I love personal growth and fully believe in it, I must remind myself to believe in myself after being out of my comfort zone. I did that and ended up doing very well.
Watched
I re-watched the movie “Scarface” starring Al Pacino and loved every minute. I haven’t seen it since I was a teenager. Now, watching with adult eyes has made me see the character in a different light.
"Scarface" is often considered both an ultimate come-up story and a cautionary tale, depending on how one interprets the film and its themes. It's important to note that the movie, directed by Brian De Palma and written by Oliver Stone, has become a cultural touchstone, particularly for portraying the rise and fall of its protagonist, Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino.
Ultimate Come-Up:
Rags to Riches Story: At its core, "Scarface" is a classic rags-to-riches story. Tony Montana starts as a Cuban immigrant with nothing but ambition, and through ruthless determination, he climbs the criminal underworld's ranks to become a powerful drug lord. His journey represents the quintessential American Dream, where an individual from humble beginnings can achieve immense success through hard work and audacity.
Glamour and Luxury: The film showcases the opulent and glamorous lifestyle that Tony Montana attains, which can entice some viewers. It paints a picture of the allure of wealth, power, and excess, which can be alluring, particularly to those who admire the portrayal of the "self-made" man.
Cautionary Tale:
Moral Decay: As Tony Montana's wealth and power grow, so does his moral decay. He becomes increasingly ruthless, paranoid, and addicted to drugs, leading to his alienation from friends and loved ones. His moral downfall starkly warns about the corrosive effects of unchecked ambition and greed.
Consequences of Criminal Activity: "Scarface" does not shy away from depicting the brutal consequences of a life of crime. It shows the violence, betrayal, and inevitable downfall that often accompany involvement in the criminal world. Tony's tragic end is a cautionary tale about the price one may pay for pursuing success through illegal and unethical means.
Isolation: Tony Montana's ultimate isolation is a poignant reminder of the cost of his choices. His wealth and power isolate him from genuine human connections, leaving him emotionally empty and unfulfilled. This aspect of the story underscores the importance of maintaining one's values and relationships in the pursuit of success.
In conclusion, "Scarface" can be seen as both an ultimate come-up story and a cautionary tale, depending on the lens through which it is viewed. It showcases the seductive allure of success and the American Dream while warning of the moral and personal costs of pursuing it through criminal means. Ultimately, the film leaves viewers with a complex and thought-provoking narrative, making it an enduring classic in cinema.
Book of the Week
The Way of the Superior Man: A Spiritual Guide to Mastering the Challenges of Women, Work, and Sexual Desire (20th Anniversary Edition) —David Deida.
"The Way of the Superior Man" by David Deida is a book that explores the challenges and opportunities faced by men in their pursuit of a purposeful and fulfilling life.
Here are my insights on this read:
Live as if your father was dead: This advice encourages men to live without being overly influenced or constrained by their father's expectations or criticisms. It's about finding one's path and identity rather than trying to fulfill someone else's idea of who you should be. This lesson was one of the more interesting as It made me ponder If I am putting too high of expectations on my kids, especially my teenage son. I want the best for him, but is my best a goal he even wants? I stopped reading for a day when I read this part. It made me want to explore if I am putting any limitations on my kids.
Lean just beyond your edge: Growth often occurs when we step outside our comfort zones. This lesson encourages men to embrace discomfort and fear as opportunities for personal development and expansion.
Do it for love: Acting from a place of love and passion can lead to more meaningful and authentic experiences. This lesson underscores the idea that genuine effort and expression come from a place of love and sincerity.
Discover your purpose: Finding your purpose in life provides direction and motivation. It suggests that life can become aimless and unfulfilling without a clear sense of purpose. I have been through a few periods when I felt this way, so the lesson was a great reminder.
Be willing to change everything: This lesson encourages adaptability and openness. Sometimes, clinging to the past or resisting change can stifle personal growth and limit your experiences. The times in life when I changed everything usually provided the most development. Getting Married, Having children, moving to a new country, and changing careers.
Don't use your family as an excuse: It's a reminder not to use family responsibilities or obligations to avoid pursuing one's dreams and personal growth. Family will support you if you are clear. If you aren’t it will be hard to follow you. My wife supported me all the way, but especially when I was laser-focused on achieving my goal, which always benefits the family.
Don't get lost in tasks and duties: While responsibilities are essential, this lesson advises against becoming so consumed by them that you lose sight of your desires and aspirations. It encourages a balance between duty and personal growth. Getting caught in the busyness of life is easy, but getting lost in it is where things go astray.
Overall, "The Way of the Superior Man" emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, authenticity, and personal growth for men in their journey toward a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
It encourages men to live with intention, love, and courage while navigating relationships and personal development complexities.
This is a fascinating book. While it is not my favorite read, I will reread it as it is one that you need to study to learn the lesson that applies to your current situation. I recommend it.
Strategy
Overcoming self-doubt is a common challenge, but there are several quick strategies you can employ to help boost your confidence and self-belief:
Positive Affirmations: Counter negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Repeat phrases like "I am capable," "I believe in myself," or "I can do this" to reinforce a positive mindset.
Visualization: Visualize your success. Imagine yourself confidently accomplishing your goals. This mental rehearsal can help build confidence and reduce self-doubt.
Set Small Goals: Break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable goals. Achieving these smaller goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and build confidence over time.
Self-Compassion: Be kind and compassionate to yourself. Treat yourself with the kindness you would offer a friend facing a similar challenge.
Challenge Negative Thoughts: When self-doubt creeps in, question the validity of your negative thoughts. Are they based on facts or assumptions? Challenge and reframe them.
Seek Support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mentor about your self-doubt. Sometimes, discussing your feelings with someone you trust can provide valuable perspective and encouragement.
Focus on Past Successes: Remind yourself of past accomplishments and successes. Reflecting on your achievements can help boost confidence and remind you of your capabilities.
Take Action: Sometimes, taking action is the best way to overcome self-doubt. Start with small steps, and as you make progress, your confidence will likely grow.
Practice Self-Care: Ensure you care for your physical and mental well-being. Exercise, get enough sleep, and engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself.
Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help you stay grounded in the present moment, reduce anxiety, and improve self-awareness, which can be beneficial for overcoming self-doubt.
Remember that overcoming self-doubt is an ongoing process, and it's normal to have moments of doubt occasionally. By consistently applying these strategies, you can gradually build your self-confidence and resilience in the face of self-doubt.
Question
The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you tell yourself about why you can't achieve it.
What is that story, and how can you change it?