"We suffer more often in imagination than in reality."

Talent is often seen as the key to success, but it’s effort that truly unlocks a person’s potential. While talent may give someone an initial advantage, it’s the consistent, focused effort that turns natural ability into excellence. Effort is the multiplier—without it, even the most gifted individuals may fall short of their true potential. Success isn’t just about raw skill; it’s about how hard you’re willing to work, how much you’re willing to improve, and how you respond to challenges. Ultimately, talent may give you a head start, but effort determines how far you go.

You have power over your mind, not outside events

The Two Main Components of Grit: Passion and Perseverance Grit is often celebrated as one of the key factors for achieving long-term success, and it’s made up of two powerful components: passion and perseverance. These two qualities work together to help individuals push through challenges, maintain focus on their goals, and keep going even when the path gets tough. 1. Passion: The Fuel That Drives You Passion is the intense desire and commitment you have toward a long-term goal. It’s what sparks your initial interest and motivates you to start a journey, whether it’s pursuing a career, learning a new skill, or chasing a dream. Without passion, it's easy to lose interest or get distracted. It’s what keeps you excited and enthusiastic, even on the tough days. Passion provides the emotional connection that makes a goal meaningful, and when you’re passionate about something, the effort feels more rewarding. It’s not about instant gratification or external rewards, but about finding fulfillment in the pursuit itself. 2. Perseverance: The Strength to Keep Going Perseverance is the ability to stay committed and keep pushing forward, even when obstacles arise or progress seems slow. It’s about maintaining effort over long periods of time, even when things don’t go as planned. Perseverance is what helps you bounce back from failures, learn from mistakes, and continue striving toward your goals, no matter the setbacks. While passion may ignite the spark, perseverance is what ensures that the fire keeps burning, even when the journey becomes difficult or frustrating. It’s what helps you build resilience and see a challenge through to the end. The Power of Grit When passion and perseverance combine, they create a powerful force that enables you to overcome adversity, stay on course, and achieve your long-term dreams. While talent and intelligence can help, it’s grit — the blend of passion and perseverance — that ultimately determines success.

You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

Someone just told me Bernie about to be running on a presidential ticket when he is 86 years old. It’s presumptuous to think that someone that old is going to live another 3 years IMO. This timeline is WILD!

The Relationship Between Authority and Influence Authority is an essential component of influence, shaping how individuals and groups affect the behaviors, beliefs, and actions of others. While authority can stem from various sources, it often combines a complex interplay of expertise, symbols, trust, and social dynamics. Understanding how authority relates to influence involves exploring a range of factors, from professional credentials to perceived legitimacy. Peep some of these key aspects that explain this dynamic. 1. Expertise and Knowledge One of the most direct and respected sources of authority is expertise. When individuals possess specialized knowledge or skills, their insights carry weight, and others are more likely to follow their advice or instructions. For instance, a doctor is trusted to provide medical guidance because of their years of training, research, and practical experience. Expertise doesn't just build authority; it inherently influences behavior by offering solutions to problems. But be aware of the appeal to authority fallacy when the person isn’t an expert in what they are giving direction in. 2. Titles and Credentials Titles and credentials are symbols that denote an individual’s position of authority in a particular field or context. A PhD, a managerial title, or an official certification instantly communicates authority, influencing how others perceive and respond to an individual. These markers, though not always reflective of an individual's true expertise, can heavily shape decision-making. For example, in a corporate setting, an employee is more likely to follow the instructions of a manager rather than a colleague due to the formal recognition of their position. Remember that anyone can put a title after their name. 3. Uniforms and Symbols Uniforms and other symbols of authority, like badges or uniforms worn by police officers or military personnel, can instantly influence how others behave. These symbols represent societal structures that signal power and control. They carry historical weight and social meaning, often leading to automatic respect or compliance. The psychological effect of uniforms is so powerful that individuals may behave differently when confronted with someone wearing an authoritative outfit, sometimes even in the absence of any direct interaction. Remember that anyone can put on a uniform. 4. Trust and Credibility Trust is the foundation upon which true authority is built. Even when someone holds a title or a uniform, without trust, their influence is significantly diminished. Trust is earned through consistent behavior, honesty, and transparency. When people believe that someone has their best interests at heart and is credible, they are more likely to be influenced by their opinions and actions. In contrast, if authority figures are perceived as untrustworthy or disingenuous, their influence can quickly evaporate. 5. Milgram’s Obedience Experiment Perhaps one of the most iconic demonstrations of authority's influence is Stanley Milgram’s famous obedience experiments in the 1960s. In these experiments, participants were asked to administer increasingly severe electric shocks to another person (who was actually an actor). Despite the apparent distress of the "victim," many participants continued administering shocks when instructed by an authoritative figure in a lab coat. Milgram's study revealed the extraordinary power of authority figures in driving individuals to act against their personal ethics. The experiment highlighted how authority could override personal conscience and led to widespread discussions about obedience, moral responsibility, and the potential for abuse of power. 6. Perceived Legitimacy The perception of legitimacy plays a crucial role in the influence of authority. Authority figures are not just perceived as powerful; they must also be seen as justified in their power. A government leader, for example, is much more influential when the public believes their position is legitimate, based on democratic processes or legal frameworks. In contrast, if authority is seen as unjust or lacking in legitimacy, such as in cases of dictatorship or corruption, influence can quickly falter, even in the face of visible power. Conclusion Authority has the power to shape behavior and influence outcomes, but the type of authority and how it is perceived is crucial. Expertise and credentials offer authority grounded in knowledge, while symbols, titles, and uniforms offer authority based on social recognition. However, the true influence of authority hinges on trust, credibility, and the perceived legitimacy of the power being exercised. Milgram’s obedience experiment serves as a stark reminder of how easily individuals can be influenced by authority figures, sometimes with disturbing consequences. Ultimately, authority is not just about holding power, but about how it is perceived, justified, and trusted by others. #Authority #Influence