Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Play To Win


I'm in the process of reading Neil Strauss's "The Game" a novel depicting the story of a dateless gentlemen turned modern day Casanova and the troubles accompanying his transformation. I was attracted to the the book because in person its outward appearance resembles the bible and the cover suggests anything but religion. and im a boy who loves his juxtapositions. I came across a quote that moved me which is as follows:


"There are certain bad habits we've groomed our whole life-from personality flaws to fashion faux pas. And it has been the role of parents and friends, outside of some minor tweaking, to reinforce the belief that we're okay just as we are. But its not enough to just be yourself. You have to be your best self. And thats a tall order if you havent found your best self yet.


Thats why workshops were so life-transforming: We told each student the first impression he made. We arent afraid of hurting his feelings. We corrected his every gesture, phrase, and item of clothing, because we knew he wasnt living up to his full potential. None of us is. We get stuck in old thought and behaivor patterns that may have been effective when we were twelve months or twelve years old, but now only serve to hold us back. And, while those around us may have no problem correcting our minor flaws, they let the big ones slide, because it would mean attacking who we are.

But who are we, really? Just a bundle of good genes and bad genes mixed with good habits and bad habits. And since there's no gene for coolness or confidence, then being uncool and unconfident are just bad habits, which can be changed with enough guidance and will power." (172-3)



Change the big..
Ds&Ps

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