David and Goliath

Baxter's Buzz

I just finished reading the book David and Goliath by Malcom Gladwell. It takes a look at underdogs versus (perceived) favorites and emphasizes that things are not always what they seem. It examines the "misfits and the art of battling giants."

We must be willing to challenge what's considered "common knowledge" and use our downfalls as strength, giving us courage in our next endeavor. It's funny how I can listen to music or read a book or have a convo with someone and the themes feel similar. I believe that God will continue to enter themes in your life in order for you to receive a particular message. I know sometimes people don't want to think, and I'm like that....sometimes. But there's so much to think about ! How long should we be "not thinking"? LOL.

The powerful aren't as powerful as it seems and the same goes for the weak. there's no substitute for experience. Experience, when used correctly, gives us courage. At our best, we're able to turn fear into a strength. Confidence knows no competition. But how do we acquire confidence?

I'm tired of being afraid. I. WANT. MORE. I don't want to let fear or laziness keep me from all the cool shit that I wanna do! 

Tragedy effects us all differently. It has made me a persistent SOB! It has made me dismiss failure because I was so used to it. I would pick myself up so quickly from a fall, if you blinked you may have missed it. Failure doesn't devastate me, it allows me to hone in on my goal even more. Persistence is probably the best trait I have, and it is directly related to things I faced as a young man. Being able to bounce back from pitfalls has given me confidence to continue on.

But as I've acquired some things and attained some success, I've gotten lazy at times. Combine that with accumulating things: Wife, house, children and you tend to be a bit more conservative, afraid of losing what you actually have. Even though THERE'S SO MUCH MORE to accumulate. And so much to teach and share with others.

We must not forget who or what "brought us to the dance," meaning we must continue to utilize our strengths as we strive for goals. When you get that promotion at work, you must now work even harder for the next one. When you buy that home, you have to crank it up a notch to maintain it. When you get married, you must give 10 times the effort in order to keep that union thriving.

I believe that I've lost some of my edge over time. And if you become too polished, you tend to blend in and become a piece of the furniture. You become another sheep in the herd. YOUR particular edge will allow you to separate yourself from others in your field. And just remember, you can go from favorite to loser in a short series of moments. But if you are the underdog, play to your strengths and utilize your resources to put the odds of succeeding in your favor.