Imagine a 100-meter stretch of isolated road running through the Nevada desert.
You and I are standing next to a car parked to the side.
There are 2 traffic cones placed across the road with a distance of 3 meters between them.
You have been given a challenge to drive the car between the cones without touching.
Simple test, isn't it? Let's see what makes you do it.
Scenario#1: You are an expert driver.
Result: Of course, you drive the car between them easily Scenario #2: You have never driven before.
Result: You will hesitate first.
Maybe, you may try after all because there is nothing much to lose.
Scenario#3: You have never driven before.
But this time, a greyhound happens to pass by and the passengers stop by to watch what happens.
Now you have EYES on you, and you overhear them saying to each other - I don't think he can do it - He is going to crash - He is a fool to even try, etc.
Result: You will, in all probability, not even try for the fear of feeling embarrassed and losing face Scenario #4: Same as #3.
But this time, I hold a gun to your head and threaten to shoot you if you don't try.
Result: You will, in all probability, DO IT! Scenario#5: Same as #3.
But this time, there is no gun and the onlookers are egging you on.
They are cheering you up, urging you on - Give it a shot, There is nothing to lose, Come on, etc.
Result: You will, in all probability, DO IT! Scenario#6: Same as #3.
You are being discouraged.
However, I have placed a sack containing $1million CASH at the end of the stretch.
It's yours for the taking if you try.
Result: You will, in all probability, DO IT! Now, I want you to focus on Scenario #1, #4, #5 and #6.
In these 4 scenarios, you gave it a shot.
Why do you think? The answer to this question is the answer to universal question of why people take action and some don't -why few people start-off in any endeavor, or take up any challenge; whether it is sports, business, or life in general, and some don't.
There are 2 points to note here...
a)In #1, you took action because you were CERTAIN of the outcome.
You did not have a doubt in your mind that you could fail.
You had faith in yourself.
The key point is 'CERTAINTY of a desired outcome'.
And how did you procure the feeling of certainty? Your knowledge of driving a car.
Point to be noted: Knowledge leads to certainty b)In #4, you took action despite that fact that you were NOT CERTAIN of the outcome.
Why? Because your environment was that of encouragement.
Your environment assisted you to grow taller, to increase strength, to try.
Because your environment cared for your success.
Point to be noted: Environment dictates your actions.
c)In #5, you took action because of the fear of losing your life.
To be precise, it was the fear of losing MORE than just losing FACE.
You had more to lose if you did not try at all.
Point to be noted: Fear of losing something bigger than the paint of the challenge dictates your actions d)In #6, you took action because the reward for taking action was enticing.
Of course, if you did not need the money and are a hermit then you would not take action.
But if you were a normal everyday kind of guy, you would find a million bucks enticing.
Point to be noted: Personal BENEFITS influences actions To summarize, there are three things that causes people to take action at the fundamental level; A) Knowledge B) Fear of losing C) Desire for personal gain.
Which of the above you choose to inspire action in others depends on your character and philosophy of life.
I choose 'A'.
Take care and God bless.