Episode 9 – Ignorance Is Bliss Syndrome

by Randy Cantrell on April 12, 2010 | Follow Randy On Twitter

in Entrepreneurship, Personal Development

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Think. The admonition is given by parents to their teenage children. Students are exhorted by teachers. Employees hear it from the boss. Think.

It’s not that easy. If it were, everybody would be doing it. Clearly, not everybody is.

While there are plenty of idiots roaming the planet, there are other well-intended, well-educated and reasonably smart people who fail miserably – to think! None of us are immune from the dangers of delusion. And that’s really what it is, delusion.

We’re often deluded to think that if only we had what the other guy has, then our life would be better. If only my boss weren’t such a jerk, then I could enjoy my job. If only people would buy my stuff, then I could quit this job I hate and venture out full-time pursuing my passion.

The Ignorance Is Bliss Syndrome can affect people in one of two ways. One, people can see an opportunity – or what they perceive is an opportunity – and believe it’s easier than it really is. Two, people can an opportunity – or what they perceive is an opportunity – and believe it’s more difficult than it really is. I’ve often encountered both groups.

Lately, I confess I’ve encountered a lot more of the first group though. I suspect it’s because they’ve fallen prey to the Internet marketer who is selling the dream of easy living. Create the life you want. Design it how you’d love it to be. Now, buy my product and PRESTO! You, too, shall have the life you always dreamed about.

But the reality hits – hard – and that dream often becomes the nightmare. Higher credit card debt. Crushed dreams. The reality that it wasn’t as easy as they said – or implied – it might be. The Internet is littered with websites of people who thought, “If I just build it, they will come.” They built it, and nobody even noticed though.

How can we remedy this? What can we do to protect ourselves? Today’s show is merely today’s attempt to spur you to THINK. Thanks in advance for listening.

I wish you all the best…but we both know you’re going to suffer some defeat. That’s okay. Join the rest of humanity as we all struggle to find our way. THINK and enjoy the journey because we’re all just mortals here. Nothing more.

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