I said before how I am reading (well, listening actually) to Napoleon Hill’s seminal ‘Laws of Success’. The book truly is amazing.
Right now I am on the chapter about developing a pleasing personality. So, to remember the seven steps to doing this I am going to write a sarcastic blog posting, which, while it might help me remember the steps, surely is self-undermining. Oh well.
First: Form the habit of interesting yourself in other people; and make it your business to find their good qualities and speak of them in terms of praise.
Hmm…good qualities in other people? That is going to be tough.
Second: Develop the ability to speak with forceĀ and conviction, both in your ordinary conversational tones and before public gatherings, where you must use more volume.
I think I can do that, maybe. Would you believe me if I did…I might be doing it wrong?
Third: Clothe yourself in a style that is becoming to your physical build and the work in which you are engaged.
Fat people – note the ‘style that is becoming to your physical build’. Terrycloth tracksuits, and lycra are not becoming to your physique (in the case of the former, any physique).
Fourth: Develop a positive character, through the aid of the formula outlined in this lesson.
This is a crappy step.
Fifth: Learn how to shake hands so that you express warmth of feeling and enthusiasm through this form of greeting.
Touching people? Yuck!
Sixth: Attract other people to you by first “attracting yourself” to them.
I have attracted myself to Jessica Alba… now what?
Seventh: Remember that your only limitation, within reason, is the one which YOU set up in YOUR OWN mind.
Well, there you go. I knew I couldn’t do it.