Sitting at the desk I decided to scan some old material, as I ripped apart pages, arranged neatly for the Fujitsu to do its job, I notice one page marked up so much I could hardly read it. Here then, worth sharing a few words you’ve heard in different ways before, and will likely hear again. If you find the principle difficult to accept, ask, “If this were true, what changes would I make in my life?”
“Beliefs matter…you can’t perform in opposition to your true beliefs…nor exceed whatever limits your beliefs…impose on you. I was taught the principle of ‘it’s ALL my fault, good or bad’ and I’ve embraced it despite the obvious intellectual argument for exceptions, because anything less permits excuse-making, permits belief in circumstances beyond my control, permits many other unhelpful beliefs. Better the occasional very sharp pain of this one. So, when I was rear-ended in bumper to bumper traffic…”
The article I reviewed, then describes the perpetrator – a moron driving completely out of control, then realizing that while it might have legally been the moron’s fault, in reality he could see it was his responsibility. He was late, had procrastinated running this errand, knew the traffic would be terrible because he put it off. “I can be mad at him all I want, and I was…but there’s no present or future profit in it. It’s only value is reminder not to be stupid.”
The article closes with examples of the very successful living by the code that “…all that occurs (in their life) is their personal responsibility.”
Scale of 1-10 how are you doing with this concept? Selective application or “all in”?
About the author: Mr. Parman is a frequent guest on the radio and can be seen on television talk shows explaining the importance of proper estate planning. Prosperity Productions selected Mr. Parman is a featured speaker in a nationally-recognized educational video on Living Trusts. He is the author of numerous published articles on financial and estate planning matters and the co-author of two books, Estate Planning Basics: A Crash Course in Safeguarding Your Legacy and Guiding Those Left Behind in Oklahoma: Settling the Affairs of Your Loved Ones.
Mr. Parman is a Member and Fellow of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. He is also a member of the Oklahoma and Missouri Bar Associations, the American Bar Association, and the Oklahoma City Estate Planning Council.
Academy Guest Blogger
American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.
9444 Balboa Avenue, Suite 300
San Diego, California 92123
Phone: (800) 846-1555
www.aaepa.com
- September 11, 2001 - September 12, 2012
- You Can’t Perform in Opposition to Your True Beliefs - September 30, 2011
- Differentiate Your Service - June 6, 2011