Be Confident, Stay Detached
June 28, 2007
Historical spiritual leaders/guides have some things in common. Most of them project an aura of self-assuredness (confident), come across as somehow not of this world (detached), and have some type of attraction to them that cannot be pinned down exactly, but is definitely present. That attraction is likely due to the first two qualities mentioned: who isn't curious, or somewhat attracted to, the person who's not from around here and seems to know something we don't? We want to know, too! So we hang out with them, cut them some slack for their unorthodox methods, give them credit for things that may or may not be of their doing, all the while attributing it to the guru's superior being-ness.
Here's something else you may not know: this is directly applicable to business, interpersonal, or other non-spiritual types of interaction. Stand apprised, however, that people have an internal b.s. detector that is acutely sensitive, which means that there does need to be a basis for your confidence and detachment. So here it is: don't give a damn about your job. DO your job to the best of your ability, but don't care about it. Care about the subject of your effort, but not about your "job", i.e., your present employment status/details. If you remain unconcerned with whether or not your employer keeps you, terminates you, promotes you, or recognizes you, and instead focus on the task or subject at hand, then you will literally be in control of your destiny. You will be recognized, or promoted, or left alone, or fired, but in any case, you will be equipped to move on to the next challenge and embrace it and be a better human being for it. If, on the other hand, you find yourself continually consumed by worries about what the future holds for you and your present job, you will be fighting with one hand perpetually tied behind your back, and you will not be someone that others will enjoy being associated with. If you're not doing your best work and no one wants to be associated with you, what is very likely to occur? That's right.
Do yourself a favor: don't give a damn for a few weeks (that's really all it takes to see a difference) and take note of what happens to your own state of mind, happiness, and those around you. You'll be in for a very beneficial and long overdue awakening!
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