“How To Get Rich” and Other Guru Scams Won’t Help You – -This Will.

From the edge of the screen to elegant email pitches, you’ve been getting a barrage of “I have your answers” lies coming at you since you learned to read.

That’s right, I said lies.

The lies are that there’s some magical, mystical formula that Guru X claims to have exclusive access to.  And they’re willing to graciously share it with you for the paltry sum of only . . .  And if you act now, they’ll even include amazing extras.

Have you fallen for more than a couple of those?  Do your eyes glaze over in awe of even the sight of these “I’ve got more money than you so I’m obviously better” cons?  If you answered yes to either of those, your bullshit meter has been failing you.

And, about those who seemingly have it all, but in reality obtained it from Mommy and Daddy or by sheer dumb luck.  Ignore them.  There’s nothing there you want to emulate.  Like most of us, you’re going to have to do this on your own.

The Truth is (Already) Out There

In the U.S., over $11 billion is spent annually on self-help alone.   And in a survey of over 250 large companies, it was found that the average amount expended for sales training exceeds $1 million.

Of course, striving for self-improvement, training, and education are important.  But let’s get real.  There’s very little new out there.  The core of all that information is based in human psychology, and and humans haven’t changed all that much, if my observations are correct.  Clearly, somebody is making a ton of money selling – – well, USED information.

So how do you get over, around, or through that massive volume of information? Having been around the proverbial block a few times, here’s my suggestions.

Stop Hero Worshiping

There are no heroes or gurus.  All of your answers are either already in you or easily and freely obtained.   Nobody, intentionally or otherwise, has developed a new and improved version of what’s been floating around since Napoleon Hill wrote “Think and Grow Rich” and James Allen authored “As A Man Thinketh.”  Those were written in 1937 and 1903, respectively.

Notice the common word in those titles.  Think.  That happens inside YOU.

Take Action

All that thinking by itself won’t do you any more good than having the Guru think for you.  Unless you’re a trust fund baby or lady luck has the hots for you, decide to take action.  Regular, preferably massive action to create what you want in your career and life.

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Will Rogers 

Get Passionate

I know, the word has been over-used.  So get angry, or unstoppable, or whatever word works for you.  Personally, I like the word passionate.  When you’re passionate about what you’re doing, you’re excited about it, driven by it, determined to press forward even in spite of obstacles.  Think of that, and sprinkle it with a savory bit of joy and satisfaction.  That’s passion.

Do Not Rinse and Repeat

That’s on the shampoo bottle so they can sell more shampoo.   And that’s why they sell $11 billion of self-help books and videos.  But more, often, isn’t better, it’s just more.  And the law of diminishing returns kicks in pretty quickly.

The point is, you don’t need a library of books, videos, and training manuals.  You need just a few good ones that do a great job of delivering the information you want and need in a concise and usable form.  No fluff, no flash.  I think someone, somewhere said, “the facts, Ma’m, just the facts.”  He was right.

 Conclusion:  There Are No Magic Bullets.  So Be One.

Yes, we have our mentors.  We all need our teams and support networks, and collaboration is a powerful tool.  But in a very real sense, it’s up to you.  I believe that wholeheartedly, and for years I had this posted on my fridge:

If you don’t have a few of your own cherished reference books, of course I recommend the classics above.  Yes, they can come off as a little corny at times, but they’re both full of real nuggets.  The same nuggets the Gurus are selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Beyond that, I suggest getting some concise, well written volumes that get right to the meat.  Here’s two examples of that that are recently published and I’d recommend.

When’s Happy Hour

Stop!  Don’t get all smiley and hopeful that you can read this and automatically hear a jackpot hit.  It’s not about making life easy.

The authors of “When’s Happy Hour –  Work Hard So You Can Hardly Work” have created a slightly irreverent guide to navigating your way through our working world.  Whether you want the C-suite or just a great lifestyle, they get rid of all the smoke and mirrors and tell it exactly like it is.

Remember that teacher, way back in high school, who spent hours lecturing on whatever it was and you understood . . . about zero?  And then someone explains it all in like 10 seconds and you suddenly get it all?  Yeah, that’s what the Betches have created in “When’s Happy Hour.”  Go get it.  You’ll thank me, and them.

Consistency Selling

I heard that.  “I don’t like sales.”  Okay, go back to bed and stay there until you die.  Because life, all of it, everyday, is all . . . about . . . sales.  From getting people to like you to getting your dream job to picking out your casket, it’s all about sales.  You may as well stop fighting it and understand how it all works.

Author Weldon Long‘s book “Consistency Selling” could easily replace all of the books or classes I’ve ever consumed.   Check it out and you’ll see that sales has been given a bad rap.  Weldon lays out the essentials to what sales should be, which is relationship building and problem solving.  Not only will it provide you the tools to use yourself, but you’ll know what to expect when you’re the customer.

In summary, nobody has magic dust or magic wands or magic words.  It takes you, making a decision, and making it happen.  As Nike said,