In Part One we looked at two “seemingly” opposing statements, “If it is to be, it is up to me” and, “Nobody does it alone” and saw how – though somewhat paradoxical sounding – they actually fit together quite nicely.
Not surprisingly, everyone who wrote in agreed. It’s rather self-evident that, yes, we need to embrace personal responsibility…and that part of that responsibility is to take action is forming relationships with others for mutual benefit. We don’t do it alone.
Taking it further, I believe the second statement also includes leveraging the knowledge and wisdom of others; perhaps through their personal coaching, books and/or other resource materials.
In fact, we can actually seek out and learn from those who might no longer still be with us on this Earth.
My personal library is stocked with hundreds of books and audios from teachers ranging from the ancient Sages to Ben Franklin to Booker T. Washington, to Ayn Rand to the much-loved and recently-departed, Jim Rohn. Of course, it also includes luminaries such as Zig Ziglar, Brian Tracy, Tom Hopkins, Nido Qubein and so many others who have filled my head with knowledge that I couldn’t possibly have received from “doing it (life) alone.”
Many of my friends have similar libraries.
According to branding coach and consultant, Bill Ellis, “The first saying does not indicate a need to go it alone. There is much that many of us want to do and will do. However, in order to do so, we need help, insights, knowledge, support and more from others.”
Great point. Actually, I don’t see how it’s possible to “do it alone” and achieve any degree of financial success.
Do you know of anyone who ever has succeeded totally alone? I’d like to take the second saying, “Nobody does it alone” even another step further and see how this ties into individualism, the hallmark of a free and abundant society. And, that’s what we’ll do in tomorrow’s installment.
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As a Chamber of Commerce director, I am fairly often approached by someone saying, “Hey, I have this idea for a business and it is going to make a ton of money. I can’t tell you or anybody else about the details though. Just wait, You’ll see.”
Then nothing happens.
I think the problem is usually that the person doesn’t trust, won’t share, thinks selfishly, and therefore never gets the support and help of the world around them.
A much better plan would be to say, “I have this idea….here are some of the big details because I trust you (not to steal it and to really care)….could you help me connect with others than might want to take this to the top with me?”
World of difference.
Spot on! Perhaps our lives should come with a disclaimer, “Do not attempt any of this alone.” (Sort of like the warnings we see on car commercials, “Professional driver on a professional track. Do not attempt this at home.”)
Thanks for another great blog! You are the best.
Dondi
I agree they can fit together hand in glove but perhaps for a little different reason.
I don’t think anyone else can be expected to be the best they can be without me first being the best I can be. Sounds a little egotistical I suppose. But I’ve worked professionally with volunteers for over 20 years and I feel that I’m the conduit through which others reach their full potential and satisfaction as a volunteer. If I don’t make a personal commitment to excellence first – their experience, no matter how hard they try, may not live up to their expectations. So, from my perspective it up to me first and then a great honor and privilege for me to make sure they are not alone in their journey.
I also don’t think personal responsibility implies excellence. I don’t think ‘up to me’ means, necessarily, that I will do what ever is ‘to be done’ well or with excellence. I could do anything grudgingly as a part of my personal responsibility. However, if I am focused on making sure that others don’t go it alone – or that they are supported fully – THAT implies that I have to be at my best (or sincerely strive for it). Part of your Giving Forward theory. That, to me, is why the two are not contradictory and complement each other so well. Together each statement can be strong but together they are stronger.
I really do enjoy your blogs – they are thought-provoking and interesting to read.
LCarter