Norman Mailer described the desire to be cool as a "decision to encourage the psychopath in oneself, to explore that domain of experience where security is boredom and therefore a sickness. One exists in the present, in that enormous present without past or future, memory or planned intention.”
Therefore, security itself is a trap of the human ego, of the mind protecting what it believes it knows to be true. Trying to be "cool" can lead to codependency and ultimate stagnation. Be kind, compassionate and respectful of the world around you, but don't seek the approval of others! Think about personal integrity, moral authority and move forward with great heart!
The very thought of "success, cool or happiness" has become contaminated by our ideas of someone extraordinary or super-wealthy. A big home, a nice car, the perception of a perfect life! That’s really unhelpful when you do the math! Ultimately, to be happy and successful is to be at peace as well! Pursue every project, idea, or industry that genuinely lights you up, regardless of how unrelated each idea is, or how unrealistic a long-term career in that field may seem today. You’ll connect the dots later! In life as well as in business, passion, love and excitement drives growth, success and happiness.
Show up in every moment like you’re meant to be there, because your energy precedes anything you could possibly say. Have you heard the phrase: Be the Love that You Seek?
Remember, it's always the challenge, the hard part ultimately creates value. The universe doesn't conspire against you, but it doesn't go out of its way to line up the pins either. If you are insecure and afraid, guess what? The rest of the world is, too. Never overestimate the competition and underestimate yourself. You are better and far more capable than you think.
To be "cool," great, successful, and happy, one must break free of societal norms and follow the heart. Bruce Lee suggested "Flow like water." Often, doing the unrealistic is easier and ultimately more progressive than doing the realistic. So adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own.
The question you should be asking isn't, "What do I want?" or "What are my goals?" but "What would excite me? Excitement is the more practical synonym for happiness, and it is precisely what you should strive to chase. It is the cure-all and each challenge or endeavor reveals something fantastic about who you truly are!
Remember—boredom is the enemy, not some abstract "failure.” Explore the realm of life experience where security is boredom or in-fact a sickness! Become comfortable getting uncomfortable with an open-mind and heart. The fishing is best where the fewest go and the collective insecurity of the world makes it easy to hit home runs while everyone is aiming for base hits.
Author, Norman Mailer was pretty cool by the way, and perhaps "status quo" is a sickness itself? Get a little crazy and shake things up!
Yours in Coolness, Success & Happiness!
Peter D. Bouloukos Close To Open Consulting - Headliner Productions Restaurant Consultant - Business Management - Leadership - Coaching
info@CloseToOpenConsulting.com
Comments