Lucky/Unlucky
Apr. 13th, 2007 08:28 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
lagilmanM and I were discussing The Secret a few weeks ago (no, not the secret writer's handshake, the New Age self-help phenom) and I highlighted what my objection to it, and all its predecessors was: it's making something mystical out of common sense.
For those of you who have managed to avoid the media blitz, The Secret (essentially) tells you to visualize what you want, and with the intensity of that visualization you will coax the universe into providing/bringing it to you.
Well, yes. But also no.
In my opinion? Success isn't something arcane, or handed down by a random god. It's about being ready to see when the right combination of opportunity comes around. And by ready I mean knowing what you're looking for, having your shoes laced, and being willing to jump when it comes by. Most people can't manage even one, much less all three, and then they gripe about their shit luck or bad timing.
Now, if the right combination doesn't come along, then yeah, you're screwed. But the thing I've noticed over the years? The thing The Secret already knows, and is wrappping up in packaging and a price tag? The right combinations are waiting for you to get your shit together: to work hard, think smart, and be ready to move on them. When you are? They show up.
That's luck for ya.
(and yes, I know that not every leaper lands successfully. I'm not meanig to sound callous or uncaring to those who jumped and only broke their nose/necks/egos. But that's the thing about being prepared - it means you know the risks, too. Check out the bio of almost any major success story, and see how often "and then we rebuilt/restarted/refinanced/etc" is said).
In less philosophical news, the cats let me sleep in until almost seven this morning (and by 'let' I mean that's how long I was able to ignore them sitting on either side of me, watching for some sign of awakey-ness). I am now showered, fed, and caffinated, andready having no option but to go back to work.
(although I suppose I could dust.... or rearrange my closets. Or wax the cats....)
For those of you who have managed to avoid the media blitz, The Secret (essentially) tells you to visualize what you want, and with the intensity of that visualization you will coax the universe into providing/bringing it to you.
Well, yes. But also no.
In my opinion? Success isn't something arcane, or handed down by a random god. It's about being ready to see when the right combination of opportunity comes around. And by ready I mean knowing what you're looking for, having your shoes laced, and being willing to jump when it comes by. Most people can't manage even one, much less all three, and then they gripe about their shit luck or bad timing.
Now, if the right combination doesn't come along, then yeah, you're screwed. But the thing I've noticed over the years? The thing The Secret already knows, and is wrappping up in packaging and a price tag? The right combinations are waiting for you to get your shit together: to work hard, think smart, and be ready to move on them. When you are? They show up.
That's luck for ya.
(and yes, I know that not every leaper lands successfully. I'm not meanig to sound callous or uncaring to those who jumped and only broke their nose/necks/egos. But that's the thing about being prepared - it means you know the risks, too. Check out the bio of almost any major success story, and see how often "and then we rebuilt/restarted/refinanced/etc" is said).
In less philosophical news, the cats let me sleep in until almost seven this morning (and by 'let' I mean that's how long I was able to ignore them sitting on either side of me, watching for some sign of awakey-ness). I am now showered, fed, and caffinated, and
(although I suppose I could dust.... or rearrange my closets. Or wax the cats....)
