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- Dead issues and confidence (102)
Welcome back to the 1st Law Newsletter - Friday Edition.
In this email:
Dead Issues
Truth is confidence
Quote from the Tao Te Ching
Dead Issues
If you are involved in a social conflict, you must take advantage of the drama as it is happening. Once the issue is no longer being talked about actively—once it is dead—it cannot be changed. One the issue is dead, whatever the public sentiment is, is essentially set in stone. The opinions have essentially become facts. Treat drama like pouring concrete. As it dries, you can smooth it over or leave your footprints with ease, but once it is dry, you’ll need a sledgehammer to change anything.
Nobody wants the past brought up continuously. One their opinions are formed, people don’t want new facts brought up. the thinking has already been done, the conclusions already drawn. Most people (not all) do not like to change their mind. Once you know this, you can take advantage.
Use the dead issue wisely. If it is working in your favour, get the topic accepted and dropped out of the daily conversations as fast as possible. This will cement peoples opinions. If the issue is not in your favour, better to fight tooth and nail to avoid catching it in the first place. Once you’ve acquired a certain reputation, it is very hard to shed it. Wait too long and it may not be possible.
Ideas from The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand.
Confidence as truth
What does confidence look like? I believe confidence comes from accepting reality and being comfortable with who you are. Don’t create a gap between your personal truth and reality.
You don’t know that you are going to show up and win. It is impossible to know, Saying that is lying to yourself. Instead be honest. Acknowledge the fear, acknowledge the doubt, be realistic with yourself. You are only nervous because you care. You may not win, but you prepared as thoroughly as you could. This will alleviate stress and improve your performance.
Ideas form Chris Bumstead on the Modern Wisdom podcast.
“Simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.
Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being.
Patient with both friends and enemies,
you accord with the way things are.
Compassionate toward yourself,
you reconcile all beings in the world.”
The oldest questions have the oldest answers. Many answers about living well can be found in ancient texts. The Tao Te Ching was written over 2000 years ago. It still applies. You are not alone. Humans have had the same worries and problems for thousands of years. Just a thought…
Thanks for reading!
Lucas