If you’re selling something to people, show them how it’s new in some way.
Human psychology tells us that people like new stuff. The average person is much more likely to try something new, than to give it another go with something they already have — even though giving it another go is probably what they need.
You've heard of shiny object syndrome.
You don’t see many billboards promoting discipline. Discipline works. But Discipline doesn’t sell.
If you’re looking for ideas for yourself, though, don’t go searching for gold in new stuff.
Discipline yourself to look to what you already have.
The results of persistent, consistent work are more rewarding and last longer than the results of always going from one shallow mine to the next.
Plus you’ll have less competition, since most everyone else is always looking for the “new thing.”
So, as a salesperson, I’m looking for ways to show you how what I have is a new opportunity for you.
But when it comes to helping myself, I’m trying to squeeze all the juice out of the material that I’ve been given.
That’s a stark contradiction.
And a necessary one.

***

Kanye West did a series of interviews lately. In one of them he made a great point.

He said, rappers are campaigning for prison reform — but most of what many rappers rap about is stuff that will get you arrested and incarcerated.
That’s true.
A clear contradiction.
But, given that the idea of prison reform won’t be heard by the masses unless it comes from the mouth of a popular rapper…
… And that what makes a rapper popular in our culture is rapping about drugs, guns, violence and bitches…
The contradiction is pretty much required in order to get the message across.

On top of the fact that many impressionable people may be influenced to commit crimes based on what they hear in rap music.

Disappointing maybe, but true.

***

Some people hate contradictions to the point that they condemn anyone for displaying one.
“You said this before — and now you’re saying this….”

Politicians build entire campaigns against their opponents using this concept.
The truth is, sometimes you have to tell people what they want to hear — even if it’s not what you actually believe — just to get them to listen.

It’s up to you if the trade-off is worth it.

***

A mature person is capable of holding multiple contradictory thoughts, thoughts that clash with one another, in their mind simultaneously.
They understand that different situations, different people and different goals require different approaches.
And they’re flexible in utilizing whatever approach the current situation calls for, even if it’s in direct contradiction to what they did last time.
The immature person wants everything to always align.
They want every idea to match the others, a simple set of beliefs that always apply to every person, place and thing.
They grow frustrated when things don’t work out that way.
They’re frustrated a lot.
Contradiction is an inherent part of life.
Daylight serves the body and the mind. Spend an entire day holed up inside with no sunlight and you’ll grow depressed.
But come night time, you need sleep — and studies show, the darker the room, the better the quality of your rest.
No one has ever asked, “Which one is it?”
We know that it’s both — just depends on the situation.
Get comfortable with contradiction. Nothing stays the same, and even things that appear the same may experience changes in protocol over time… depending on the situation.
Be flexible. At its roots, damn near everything else is.

Check out the following MasterClasses on change and adjustment —
#463: Change With The Times, But Still Be YOU
#1277: It's Easier To Change Yourself Than To Change Others
#1250: How To Change Your Story
#1182: Stop Trying To Change People
#1027: How Quickly You Need to Be Improving
#601: Be a Quick Study: Slow Learners Get Left For Dead

You get access to all of these AND another thousand more as a Game Group Member. I’ve created a special 14-day trial membership for you here: http://WorkOnMyGame.com/GameGroup
14-day Trial Membership For You Here