The Cult of Self
The Cult of Self
It's interesting to realize that those who are truly successful understand the cult of self. It's also interesting that those that walk tall, proud and clear are also those that really get the cult of self. Do you mind if I take you back into the Amazon for a second? I learnt so much about the basic human being while in there it really is worth sharing. In the village where the native Indians live every young man in the village has to take it in turn to become the leader of the village. Being the leader he has to take control and direct everyone, everything.So for example, I noticed in the village he would walk back and forth along the side of the village watching and directing everyone like a joint force with one mission or end goal in mind. He would even use a huge shell that he would blow through to get there attention or direct them. He also had a long stick in his hand that he would and could also use to get more action. The on thing I did notice though was when we first met the leader (who was only about 20) was his presence.The first meeting took place in the village long hut. When we walked in we had to sit around in a semi-circle and wait for the leader to appear. I was expecting a real old elder type man to walk in. Eventually, this young 20-ish man walked in and sat down in front of us all. To his left were blowpipes. To his right there were spears. On the back of his chair was a rifle. He looked just like what I would imagine a real Indian would be like from an old cowboy movie. Very dark skin, strong chiseled face, long black hair tied back, strong piercing eyes, small in height but very strong looking.What I should tell you is these guys are a warrior nation. Survival is one of their prime focuses. Pride is also high on the list. Here's the thing; if they had to kill you to protect themselves, their family, the village, it wouldn't be a problem... they would do it! Let me get back to the point though. I wanted to let you know why the cult of self is so big with these people. They know themselves. They know their own mind. They know their environment. They just get it. Knowing themselves at that much deeper level helps them to be a strong as themselves. Actually, I believe this is what makes a real person... understanding the cult of self.Let me pull you back into our world, our busy world packed to the limit with mass and confusing messages.First the CULT; This is recognized as a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites that are generally unmovable. Here's one thing we know about Cult members, they are usually absolutely fanatical but ... they GET whatever it is they are into. Now, this article isn't to promote the rights or even wrongs off that but I want you to think about the mindset of these people. Once they understand... they are unmoveable. You cannot change their minds; they are fixed on their path. In turn, this gives them confidence. This confidence gives them a stature that helps them to walk forward, be tall, be strong. Their ideology has been set.Second SELF; what is self? Who are you? What are you about? Where are your core values, beliefs and thoughts? Self is who you are inside. It has to be the man or person you have to understand. If you don't understand that person how can you have faith in that person? If you don't understand self, how can you have any direction in your life. If you don't really 'get it' about you, your future, your purpose well sadly here is what happens.In this media-driven age where you are hammered on a daily basis almost by the minute by mass messaging if you don't understand yourself and fall in love with the cult of self you will become like a ship with no rudder being tossed from wave to wave and never reaching any port, any destination. This not only affects you (the self) but it also affects your hopes, your dreams, your aspirations, your ambitions.Let me tell about a guy I met recently. He told me he is driven. He told me he wants to succeed. He told me he has drive. He told me he is determined to be rich. Yet he also told me he attends almost every seminar that is thrown his way. He also told me he had spent all of his family's cash in his quest for success. He also told me this; his quest for success had left himself, his wife, and his children bankrupt!What has really taken place? He doesn't know himself. And when you don't know yourself this is what will happen at some level. So get to know YOU. Fall in love with you. Have a love like a cult member for yourself. Be firm, resolute and adamant in your purpose. This way you will have a strong business. You'll have a strong personality. You'll have a strong family. This is the cult.This is the cult of self.Alan Forrest Smith
