This is the second of “The Alchemist Papers”, written by The Alchemist Entrepreneur. His identity must be kept silent, so we just call him “Al.”
I remind you that even though Al is alive and well in the age when millions share nonsense daily through Facebook and Twitter, he likes to write as if he were a member of Ben Franklin’s Junto. And you know, had he lived then, he probably would have been.
Al’s essays penetrate to the very core of what matters. While everyone is hacking at the leaves, Al strikes at the root. I’m a grateful student. I urge you to read through to the very end.
– Dov Gordon
The Alchemist Papers
2. Dragooned by your own perfidious mind
My friend, you deceive yourself.
You have not taken the time to slow down, to quiet your mind, to picture what you really want. Instead you allow yourself to be dragooned by fallacious thoughts. These thoughts leave you feeling at a loss and incapable and you then decide to do what merely keeps you treading water.
Men today enjoy blaming their short attention spans on modern technology but this is mere smoke and mirrors.
More than 3,000 years ago King Solomon observed that “Only the thoughts of the diligent lead to plenty; but the hasty hasten only to lack.”
The hasty are the majority who jump into quick action without having thought through their plan. They conclude “I must do this…” “I can’t do that…” “I’m sorry, I don’t have time for…” all without giving themselves the advantage of silence, reflection, clear thought.
As such it is of high importance that, for at least a moment, you refuse to feel compelled.
Yes. Sit now as if you felt in complete control. As if you felt supreme confidence. Perfect relaxation.
In silence, reflect: “What are the few actions, the two or three next steps, which will have the greatest impact on my progress forward?”
Now, schedule time to do those things.
In the third of the Alchemist Papers, I’ll share with you a simple, simple habit that will free you forever from feeling compelled.
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OK – I’ve got a challenge for you. How can you square Al’s advice in Paper # 2 with the observations in Happy kids, miserable adults and a timeless, secret truth?
Share your thoughts below. The person with the best answer wins a moment of silent calm and confidence. 😉
And if you agree that more people need to hear Al’s message, please share this with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. You’re part of the signal, not the noise.
Dov Gordon
