By Michael Kline
We all know people who seem to get ahead quickly and easily in life. Everything they touch turns to gold, they’re always happy and everyone likes them. There is no such person of course, yet we wonder why we can’t be
more them. What?! First, let’s get envy out of the way, then, we’ll talk about getting you happier. Never be envious of anyone, for anything; you never know another person’s whole story, the burdens they bear or the future they hold.
Your own life is a gift with its own treasures, even if those treasures are sometimes well hidden. That said, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to be better at relationships, be happier with your work, make more money, remove
stress in your life, have more friends, etc. Let’s get you the resources you need to achieve whatever you want in
life.
Having resources, such as money, education, time, family support, wit, charm, good looks, etc. seem to give a person an advantage in every aspect of life. This is a myth spread by people making excuses. Resourcefulness is so
much more powerful than resources. Plenty of people, including many celebrities in the news, have clearly been given too many resources. Countless wealthy (and poor) children have been spoiled with resources and have no idea how to take responsibility for anything. Don’t make yourself one of them. Even though I came from very humble roots and strict rearing, sometimes I wonder if I spoiled myself when I feel whiny and unhappy with an outcome. I remember as a child, being told as to “suck it up” and get to work. Sometimes I find it valuable to say that to myself again.
Resources that really matter, almost anyone can find on their own – a positive attitude costs nothing, yet can inspire someone to invest in your ideas. Education is free or nearly free. I’m not talking about brand-name degrees that even very successful people can’t pay off, but the education from life experience, books and mentors. Even if you already have the formal education, where do you get the advanced education to really move ahead? Or, does the education you need involve people skills they don’t teach in school?
I am far from the most successful business person, and I’m far from the best looking, most fit, most loved, most educated, well-read, etc. So I can’t help you be any of those things. I am, however, really good at making a
life I love. I have achieved the goals I’ve worked toward, and I will achieve the goals I work toward in the future. If you want a piece of that action, here’s my secret: O.P.R. - Other People’s Resources. Remember the cliché investment advice called“Other People’s Money”? This is the same idea. Don’t accept what you have because you lack resources. You need to accept full responsibility and learn to be resourceful. The resources are all around you. The best and most available of those resources is information – in the form of free advice. Be careful you don’t take it from negative people who want to keep you down with them. Ask for, and take advice from positive people who are good at something you want help with. Knowledgeable, positive people are happy to help. If they aren’t, you’re asking the wrong person. Your mentor does not need to be in the same department, company or even industry – it depends on the skills you seek.