Difficult? Yes, but it’s worthwhile!
Paul White's nationally distributed syndicated column, “Difficult? Yes, but it’s so worthwhile!” is published in 22 publications across seven states. This includes the following newspapers and digital publications: Midland Daily News (MI), SFGate (CA), Seattle PI (WA), Connecticut Post (CT), Laredo Morning Times (TX), Huron Daily Tribune (MI), The Telegraph (IL), and more. In this week's article, Paul invites you to discover the “Paradoxical Commandments” that promote encouragement and inspiration!
A friend of mine knew I loved to read and appreciated people recommending books to me that had a powerful positive impact on their life.
My friend recommended that I take the time to read a book entitled “Anyway” by Kent Keith. I did. And I’m so glad I did.
The reprint edition came out in 2004. I read it shortly after that, and it immediately impacted how I chose to live my life each day. I feel the thought process behind the book is even more appropriate today when you consider the current status of our society and culture. Yeah, I know. That’s a pretty profound statement if it is indeed true, so let me back it up in a way that proves it can immediately improve your life if you’re willing to adopt the thought process that Kent Keith presents.
First, a little background. In 1968 Kent Keith was a sophomore student at Harvard University. 1968 was a pretty turbulent time in the world, and Kent was giving leadership speeches to High School students who were part of student councils or student leadership programs. During the experience of giving the speeches, he realized that students didn’t know how to work with the systems in place to bring about change. He was also amazed at how quickly students would give up when they struggled or encountered simple challenges.
Kent wanted to help address the high school students’ failure to master “stick-to-itiveness” and willingness to quickly give up, so he created the “Paradoxical Commandments” which was to serve as a foundation of encouragement and inspiration to never give up on something you believe in. His ultimate goal appeared to be to create a set of guidelines for personal behavior. I really like what he came up with and believe the guidelines fit just as well with today’s society as they did back in 1968.
Although I’ve requested permission to print the paradoxical commandments, I’ve never received a response, so I need to tread lightly here so I don’t violate copyright laws. The impact reading the book had on me helped me create some new thought processes that have served me well in life.
Those new thought processes included:
People aren’t always nice – You should be nice anyway.
People may be quick to tear down your dreams – You should dream big anyway.
When you help others, people may accuse you of doing it for selfish reasons – You should help others anyway.
Advocating for the weak in our society may open you up to criticism and bullying – You should advocate for the marginal members anyway.
The great part about reading this book, which has its origin all the way back to 1968, is that it takes you on a step-by-step journey to developing your own thought process that will lead you to a much more fulfilling and joyous life. All for less than $20. This is where the logic of spending money on yourself as an investment in your future can really provide an incredible return on investment. And it doesn’t end with you.
Whether it’s your spouse, kids, friends, neighbors, or co-workers, everyone will notice a positive change in you. Maybe not overnight, but over time, they will observe you viewing everything from a new perspective. An improved perspective. One that doesn’t allow the inevitable negativity that bombards us each day to impact the good thoughts, good words, good actions, and good character that flows from you each day.
Fair warning ... I’m not presenting this as a perfect plan. Will there be some blips where you fall back to the old perspectives? Yes. There is for me, and I’ve been practicing this for almost two decades now. But I just call myself a knucklehead, get back on the “Anyways” bike, and start riding down that path of fulfillment and joy.
Advice? Buy the book by Kent Keith. Read it and practice what it promotes.
Create some new thought processes that will help relieve stress and anxiety that others may bring into your life. Then, share the thought processes with people you love. Why? Because it is SO worthwhile! Remember, I Believe In YOU! GiddyUp!
In addition to being a nationally syndicated columnist, Paul White is an author, motivational and inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, podcaster, and life coach located in Midland, Michigan. His new book, “The Answer Discovery – How to Change the World by Helping Others…and Ourselves,” is available to purchase today. If you’re interested in getting in touch with Paul, please submit an inquiry via our Contact Page.