There was once a little boy who was 5 years of age.
As a practice, each year he would meet his grandmother, cousins, aunts and
uncles who lived far away, during his summer vacations. That was the best time
for him and he always thought why can’t we, like cave men live together, under
one roof! A humongous, gigantic and enormous clan – and all of them together
and happy.
As he grew and spoke his mind he understood what
people like to listen and what people did not want to listen. Hence he started
filtering what he wanted to tell and what he did not. In his teens, he went
through the shy phase and observed what smooth talking was. Why are some people
always criticized and why are some so popular. He then started appreciating
what he hated, hated what others hated and realized gees I have a lot of
friends and I am popular!
Also, during his academics – when he was asked to
write an essay on his family, he thought in the exam centre – I don’t have to
think here. I know them all so well that I can write things about them even
without thinking. And that is exactly what happened. When he started to write
about them, he realized that he had exceeded the word limit and just had to end
the essay. But he was now confused, as to why he had to think and say things
about other people, he did not want to.
In college, he realized that the people you know,
whom you are genuine with and care for them need no justifications and are
always there for you – true friends, just a few! To the rest of the world the
law of popularity as discovered in his teens was applicable.
Over the years when he developed good friends which
were like family and his own family he realized no pretension was needed with
them. So why would he become popular and be praised by people, when he said
things what people wanted to hear, or when he lied…
The law of popularity is not what everybody likes.
Your opinions are not audience poll but your own. And this foremost difference
entitles “YOU”, good or bad. Wise if your views are, a number of people would
appreciate else you would be slated. Remember, the smarter you get, the more
selective you become. So if you cannot shun the deleterious people, who shatter
your self-esteem, humbly apply the rule – hear (not listen) and snub. Choose
your people. Stop worrying about your fan clubs and hate clubs. Life is too
short to loathe prize-fight, get into quarrels and arguments, expect a lot and
then cry. It is the selected few who would love you forever and for always.
After all, nobody “NEEDS” a family, a marriage, friends or a spouse unless we
“WANT” them to be associated with us and to love us by loving them back. (Law
of reciprocity)
This year reintroduce the little
girl/boy in you who used to love and speak his mind without any filters or
conditions or expectations. Apply the new rule of popularity which is not to
say what they want to hear BUT to be yourself and lastly, shun the negative
ones to get self-motivated and to progress.
