The Law of Obligation

[I]The only way to take control of your life, raise your standard of living and move beyond merely surviving is to create your own unique product or service that you offer to increasing numbers of people in exchange for the things of value that you desire. This simple formula applies to countries as well as people. A self-sufficient economy has its own products or services of value to export to the world. Similarly, a self-sufficient individual has something of value to exchange in the global marketplace. That thing of value is based on your natural talent, skill, or interest—in other words, your passion!

The Law of Obligation
say’s “There Ain’t None!” that’s a fact
So don’t go thinking somehow
you’ll dictate how people act

If all would do their ‘duty’
and would simply do what’s ‘right’
Sure, things would go much smoother
there’d be one less war to fight

It would be nice I’ll grant you
and yeah, that’s all well and good…. but
No binding code of conduct
makes the world do what they ‘should’

No one will do a thing now
just because you want them to
For everyone’s got issues
and a different point of view

You can’t control the masses
so here’s what I suggest to you
Just live your life with honor
still despite what others do

And though you can’t determine
what reward your action brings
There is a thing called justice
in the grander scheme of things[/I]

One of the most liberating realizations I’ve had in my years of personal growth is accepting the truth that people will not always act and react in the ways I wish them to. In other words, the world is under no obligation.

Ah, yes! This may be a tough lesson to learn, but people really aren’t obligated by your sense of right and wrong, to do what you want them to, just because you think it should be so, or because you’ve done something and expect something in return.

We all live in a society in which we hope the accepted standards of conduct will be adhered to by everyone. We hope people will say “please” and “thank you.” We hope others will take our concerns seriously, hold up their end of a bargain, return our calls on time, pay back what they owe, allow us to merge into traffic, hold the door open for us, treat us as we treat them and so on. Yes, in our daily interactions with others, we hope people will play along with our game plan. The truth is, however, these are just expectations of what others should do.

And remember what we know about expectations? Unhappiness is nothing but an unmet expectation. Think about that. The only reason anyone on this planet is unhappy is because they had an expectation of how things should be that was not met.

Can you accept that others will do as they please? Can you still keep smiling when you don’t get your way? Can you give up the victim game and stop waiting for someone to treat you in a specific way? If you can, you might find life’s road a little less bumpy and less aggravating. At the very least, you’ll spend less time wallowing in self-pity. Now that doesn’t mean you’ll accept abuse. Neither will you allow yourself to be taken advantage of. And you’ll remove yourself from destructive people and situations as soon as possible. And for heaven’s sake, don’t lower your expectations of people. However, if you simply detach yourself from any specific outcome based on your worldview, you might be surprised how liberating it might be!

Keep doing what you know to be right, and know that all will be balanced—if not from “him” or “her,” but through another, and the Universe at large.

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Note: Saipan-based fans and followers of [I]Chicken Feathers and Garlic Skin: Diary of a Chinese Garment Factory Girl on Saipan[/I] may now find copies at Bookseller Bookstore in the Joeten Shopping Center in Susupe. Hurry, there’s a limited supply! All others may visit www.saipanfactorygirl.com or amazon.com.

[I]Note: Ever wanted to direct friends, family, tourists or strangers to a set of websites that say and depict good things about Saipan? Do what I do: send them to www.bestofsaipan.com! (Of course, I may be biased.)

Note: For more tips on overcoming your fears, acting on your ideas, changing the game, and creating a passion-centered lifestyle, visit www.passionprofit.com![/I]

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Until next week, remember, success is a journey, not a destination!

[I]Walt F.J. Goodridge is author of 12 books including Turn Your Passion Into Profit. Walt offers coaching and workshops to help people pursue and profit from their passions. Originally from the island of Jamaica, Walt has grown several successful businesses in the US, and now makes his home here in Saipan. To learn more about the Saipanpreneur Project and Walt’s philosophy and formula visit www.saipanpreneur.com and www.passionprofit.com.[/I]

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[I]Send article suggestions, entrepreneur nominations and feedback about this article to walt@passionprofit.com.[/I]