LIFE IS DIFFICULT
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Free Download - STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF STRESS By James Ladd |
M. Scott Peck (1936-2005)
In Scott Peck’s remarkable book; “The Road Less Traveled,” first published in 1978, he opens with the now famous line; “Life is difficult.” He then goes on to say; “this is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult --- once we truly understand and accept it --- then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.”
Life it seems is an endless series of problems that have to be solved and Peck goes on to say that “what makes life difficult is that the process of confronting and solving these problems is a painful one.” We all know only too well some of the emotions we feel when attempting to solve problems, feelings such as; anger, frustration, anxiety, sadness, fear, grief and regret.
There is a Double Edge to Solving Problems
It is Scott Peck’s contention that the process of meeting and solving problems is in fact how we derive meaning in our lives. We all know from experience that one often grows only when faced with challenges that must be overcome. It is in the process of solving problems that we find our courage and wisdom and in fact create our courage and wisdom and in so doing grow emotionally and spiritually. That then is the double edge, pain offset by personal growth.
There’s more, Peck goes on to say that the answer to solving life’s problems is the practice of discipline. When we teach ourselves and our children discipline, we are teaching them and ourselves how to suffer and also how to grow.
The practice of discipline requires a number of tools or techniques for what he calls suffering: delaying gratification (scheduling the pain first in order to enhance the pleasurable feeling later), acceptance of responsibility (owning the problem), dedication to the truth (seeing reality), and balancing (the flexibility to maintain balance between your emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual self).
A critically important point in all of this discussion is that if one attempts to avoid the pain and emotional suffering associated with life’s problems this becomes the primary basis for mental illness. I have to admit to occasionally avoiding, at least for a little while, some of my life’s problems and in that avoidance behaviour experience what is affectionately called neurosis. All of us at times, are a little bit neurotic. Carl Jung, famed Swiss psychologist stated that; “neurosis is always a substitute for legitimate suffering.” Just be careful not to be labeled something else because you are not prepared to suffer!
~James Ladd
LIFE IS DIFFICULT - To learn more about this author, visit James Ladd's Website.
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George LudwigGeorge Ludwig is a recognized authority on sales strategy and peak performance psychology. An international speaker, trainer, and corporate consultant, he helps clients like Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Northwestern Mutual, CIGNA, and numerous others improve sales force effectiveness and performance. Though it's George's strategies and processes that help corporations increase productivity and performance, it's his tremendous energy and dynamism that spark the transformation. Again and again, clients remark on his amazing ability to unleash human capacity and inspire men and women to break out of their comfort zones. The result is a whole new type of salesperson. His customized presentations teach achievers to make stunning advances in their lives. From helping salespeople realize cherished dreams to helping corporations exponentially accelerate revenue streams, George Ludwig leaves audiences and individuals empowered, emboldened, and clamoring for more. George is the best-selling author of Power Selling: Seven Strategies for Cracking the Sales Code and Wise Moves: 60 Quick Tips to Improve Your Position in Life & Business. - Visit George Ludwig's Website |
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Dave KurlanDave Kurlan is a best-selling author, top-rated speaker and thought leader on sales development. He is the founder and CEO of Objective Management Group, Inc., the industry leader in sales assessments and sales force evaluations, and the CEO of David Kurlan & Associates, Inc., a consulting firm specializing in sales force development. Dave has been a top rated speaker at Inc. Magazine's Conference on Growing the Company, the Sales & Marketing Management Conference and the Gazelles Sales & Marketing Summit. He has been featured on radio and TV, including World Business Review with General Norman Schwarzkopf, in Inc. Magazine, Selling Power Magazine, Sales & Marketing Management Magazine and Incentive Magazine. He is the author of Mindless Selling and Baseline Selling – How to Become a Sales Superstar by Using What You Already Know about the Game of Baseball. He created and wrote STAR, a proprietary recruiting process for hiring great salespeople, and he writes Understanding the Sales Force, a popular business Blog and is a contributing author to The Death of 20th Century Selling and 101 Great Ways to Improve Your Life, Volume 2. - Visit Dave Kurlan's Website |
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