Post-Pandemic Advice from a Human Nature Genius: Be Like a Bird or Horse

He was a failed actor and soap salesman who would later become one of the best selling authors of all time. Dale Carnegie wrote "How to Win Friends and Influence People" in 1936, but his advice is still followed today. 

Carnegie believed that people are motivated by what they feel, not by what they think. And that our favorite subject is none other than ourselves. 

Now, in this unprecedented time, the incredible insight of Dale Carnegie can help us recover our mental health and self worth.

“It isn't what you have, or who you are, or where you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.”

Each day, millions live in fear and think about the dangers that lurk around each and every corner. And so, many of us look to a partner or best friend for happiness. Others believe money, romance or materialistic things will bring eternal joy. But we are looking for happiness in all the wrong places. Happiness stems from our outlook on life. It doesn't come from external conditions - rather, what we say to ourselves the second we wake up, the moment before we go to bed, and everything in-between.

To be happy, think happy.

“One reason why birds and horses are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other birds and horses.”

As we look to the end of the pandemic, we can all be more empathetic, caring and compassionate. We can finally shed our pre-pandemic obsession of trying to look important. Many of us used buzz phrases to impress others. We would exaggerate our accomplishments and make sure others knew how great we were. Yet far greater satisfaction comes when we impress ourselves instead. If we compete only with ourselves, all of society will gain, becoming free from cut throat competition and judgement of each other.

Be like a bird or horse.

“When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity.”

Arguments could be avoided, company sales could go through the roof, and a lot more people could like us - if only we remembered this fact. People look at things based upon their background, culture, experiences and their position in life. This filter is feeling-based. In business and in life, let’s put less emphasis on "being right" and more emphasis on understanding how others are feeling.

Communicate heart to heart.

“Our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration and resentment.”

The worry, anxiety and frustration we allow ourselves to experience every moment is exhausting and debilitating. Indeed, it is far more difficult than hard work. I am looking forward to enjoying my vocation again. Free from daily worries about things that likely will never happen.

Focus your energy on creativity and accomplishment. Not worry.

“Take a chance! All life is a chance. The person who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare.”

We have seen how the world can change in an instant. And how we, ourselves, can be here one moment and gone the next. The words of Dale Carnegie, written so long ago, relates now more than ever. Take a chance on applying for the job you've always wanted. Start the business you have dreamed about. Connect with the people you have longed to know. Say "I love you." The time is now. Right now.

Replace future regret with daring moves.

Dale Carnegie summed up what we need to do in this strange time with this timeless advice:

“Learn to love, respect and enjoy other people.”

If we have learned anything in the past year, it should be this.

God's speed.

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"How to Win Friends and Influence People," while not Carnegie's only book, remains his most popular, still being read the world over. The famous "Dale Carnegie Course" which Carnegie created in 1912, teaches self-confidence, leadership and people skills and is one of today’s most respected business courses. Among its former students: Warren Buffet and Johnny Cash.

? 2021 Cory Robert Galbraith, All Rights Reserved.

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