Do read the first post from this series, before reading this one.
Excerpts from the book are in image form, and my insights are in bold, below them.
The main focus of this chapter is on entitlement, on how it can stagnate one’s growth, and how being average/mediocre is completely okay.
The author speaks about the "high self-esteem" movement of the 1960s, when it was believed that those who thought highly of themselves, performed better and caused fewer problems.
The author brings our attention to the research done decades later, which is actually quite contrary to the "high self-esteem" movement claims :
I've mentioned on my blog multiple times, that I wouldn't be as strong as I am, if I hadn't failed.
Failure can actually improve your life drastically, and can be a much-needed wakeup call.
It's tough to accept failure with open arms, but once you do, there's only growth and success ahead.
The author writes about how the self-esteem movement measured self-esteem by how positively people felt about themselves.
But that isn't accurate, as he explains below :
Entitled People :
Victim mentality and denial, two of the concepts the author wrote about in the previous chapter, make a person entitled.
How we become entitled :
I've definitely thought in both of the ways mentioned above, at some point or the other in my life.
But that thinking of mine never solved any problems, and instead, it created more of them.
Accept your problems, and you'll change your life!
Your problems aren't always unique :
If you have been through a struggle in your life, share it with others, in the hope of lending a helping hand to someone going through a similar situation in their life.
Too much of the wrong information :
When we were in school, we've all (most of us) had our parents/teachers lecture us about our classmates who scored well in examinations, or topped the class. Most parents think that comparison fuels progress, but it only makes the kid grow up feeling inadequate no matter how successful he/she becomes.
And that's exactly what happens on social media too. We constantly view success stories of others, and immediately compare ourselves to them. It's become so common, that people think that it's normal. But it shouldn't be!
It's okay to be average :
It's so important to dream big, but it's also important to be realistic.
An example : You don't need to be a star philanthropist to help others. Instead, you can help out the less fortunate people in your own community/locality. Your name may not appear in the newspaper, but you will change lives nonetheless.
Stick to your values and your purpose, and you will live a good life.
Anti-entitlement :
In short, never stop learning, and you'll never stop growing!
It all starts with acceptance :
Note : For a more detailed understanding of the excerpts, do read the book. It’s a brilliant eye-opener!
You can check out Manson’s blog, here.
Thank you for reading! Stay blessed!
© TheKindTempest