Group A or Group B - Your Choice


If you’re reading this, then you are probably at a major crossroads in your life, looking for ways to improve your future. The decisions you’ve made over the past years (and I believe a Higher Power) have brought you here. I’ve put together some thoughts below that I respectfully submit to clarify some of the fundamental issues of life that will require your earnest attention if you truly desire greater success. Please try to keep an open mind as we move ahead.

Consider this question for a moment. Some people could sell you cheap costume jewelry, get an enormous price for it, and leave you a happy customer. Other people couldn’t sell you the Hope Diamond for the price of a cubic zirconium, let alone leave you feeling good about it. Let’s call the first group of people who sell the costume jewelry “Group A”, and let’s call the second group who can’t sell the Hope Diamond “Group B”. I think we would all agree that the truly successful people in life, no matter what their occupation, belong to Group A. So what are the differences in those two groups of people? Here they are:

1. Group A has a true passion and belief in the beauty and value of themselves and what they’re selling, and Group B does not;
2. Group A has a true passion and belief that they can, and will, benefit others through their efforts, while Group B does not;
3. Because of their unfailing passion and belief, Group A persists in their efforts, and Group B does not; and
4. Group A has learned the communication skills to share those passions and beliefs effectively, and Group B has not.

Now what do both groups have in common? (Let’s assume that both groups have normal emotional and intellectual capacities.)

1. They are both born with the ability to have true passion and belief in beauty and value;
2. They are both born with the ability to have true passion and belief that they can, and will, benefit others through their efforts;
3. They are both born with the ability to persist in pursuing their true passion and belief; and
4. They are both born with the ability to learn effective communication skills.

Why then, is there a Group A and Group B in the first place, since they both have the same capabilities from birth? And if we all agree that Group A is happier, more productive, and wealthier, then why doesn’t Group B simply join Group A?

There are two basic reasons:

1. Group B has self imposed limitations in their thinking that prevent them from believing the simple truth that they can join Group A if they really want to. Now, if you’re a Group B person, you will attribute Group A’s success to: luck; natural ability; a “gift”' finding “the right” opportunity; knowing the right people; being born in the right neighborhood; getting all “the breaks”; or some other excuse. That is why people stay in Group B. They don’t take responsibility for developing the passion, belief and skills to join Group A. Instead, they make excuses, and defend their self imposed limitations as if they were truth; and
2. While this truth is simple, making the move from Group B to Group A isn’t necessarily easy. It requires a dedication that begins with overcoming those self imposed limitations. We’re prone to become discouraged and slide back into Group B, to become complacent, and ultimately to start rationalizing our retreat to mediocrity. Those disappointments become like rubber bands pulling us back from our potential.

Now, I admit that I’ve oversimplified things a bit. We certainly don’t want to stereotype people as Group A or Group B. Groups A and B are really two conflicting sets of values, beliefs and actions that exist in us all. It’s actually more a question of whether Group A or Group B is dominant. How do you know if Group B is dominating in your life? There are two basic areas to consider:

1. The most obvious and measurable test is your checkbook – are you happy with your finances?; and
2. How happy are you with your life in general – your social/family life, your spiritual/emotional life, your intellectual life, your physical condition?

If you're not content in either or both of these areas, then you definitely are at a crossroads RIGHT NOW. First, admit that the reasons for your discontent are primarily the result of your thinking up until now. YOU MUST recognize and take FULL responsibility for that Group B part of you.

Next, find and develop a goal, a purpose, a passion and belief that is bigger than you are, and stronger than any disappointments, fears or doubts. Make that rubber band pull you in the Group A direction. Having a Higher Power is essential here, even if it's just finding more successful associates of like mind for support and encouragement. Prayer and/or meditation daily will empower you as well.

Also, don't "hide your light under a bushel". Search out ways to actualize - to live - your new passion and belief. Make it your daily mission, and journal your progress in this one area until you start seeing victories that you can glory in! At the same time, give yourself a break (not an excuse) when you slip. After all, you're human, and you're seeking progress rather than perfection.

And finally, realize that true contentment comes from achieving that progress, not from reaching some "point" in life. Like a mountain climber, learn the exhiliration of reaching a "peak", but then go look for the next one. Sure, this means you'll have your "highs and lows", you'll take your risks, but would you trade in your "highs" in order to escape the "lows"? Of COURSE NOT! That is the essence of living. Cut off the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, and all you have left in the middle is the "quiet desperation" of a near lifeless existence in Group B.

Blessings to All,

Craig Lunde
clunde@adelphia.net
http://www.smashthemold.com