Nerve

   There are a lot of things that are important in this world. The most important characteristics to individuals often open doors to them. We put a huge emphasis on education, creativity, looks, social skills, and being spiritually at peace. These can all be important in certain situations, but I want to talk about the thing that is always left off the list of important things about people.

   I would argue that nerve is the most important thing for a person to have. Do you want that job you don’t feel like you’re fully qualified to do, that girl who’s supposed to be out of your league, or how about that house or car that people say you aren’t going to get for under a certain price? Getting all of those things can be really simple regardless of how smart you are, good looking you are, or how well you can negotiate. Having the nerve to actually apply for a job that’s a little above you while presenting yourself as fully deserving, talking to that girl and treating her as your equal and not some unattainable person, and simply offering only what you want to and sticking to it, can and will get you all of those things. Sure, you’ll get rejected by employers and women sometimes. Not every homeowner or car dealership will work with you either, but here’s the thing about this world. Anything that is possible will happen eventually. So you want the perfect job. Keep applying for your definition of perfection and never cease in doing so. There’s someone out there who will give you a chance, and if you keep pursuing your dreams, they will become a reality. If you want the perfect man or woman for you, it’s not accomplished by dating a bunch of people who aren’t that. It’s accomplished by having the nerve and confidence to approach exactly what you’re looking for. Sure, three out of four of them might reject you, but wouldn’t you rather have the nerve to face rejection than succeed on finding the opposite of what you’re looking for? Finally, the key to negotiating is simply to stick with your instincts. If a deal isn’t right, have the nerve to never cave.

   All of this sounds simple, and I know you can’t go to job interviews and constantly be rejected. Sooner or later you have to pay the bills. That doesn’t mean that you can’t continue to apply for and pursue better things, however. I also know that many people don’t want to be alone. That’s understandable, but I’ve looked at that part of my life like this. I see so many people who are afraid to be alone. Their marriages end in divorce or in never-ending resentment most of the time. Wouldn’t you rather have the nerve to wait it out - to be lonely? What if you could find someone you wouldn’t resent? What if they would be the person you were looking for? That can and will be a reality if you simply have the nerve to only pursue the exact people you’re looking for. It’s the longer road, and it’s the harder one, but ultimately, just like most things that are hard, it pays off in the end.

   I guess the main thing I’m saying is this. Have the nerve to bet on you today. Do you think you can do more or that you deserve more? Start letting people know that, and never doubt anything that you’re doing. Know in your heart that you deserve it all. Here’s the thing, when you start believing that, so do the people around you. When you tell your employer why they need you and not the other way around, it’s an eye opener for them. In the same way, realize that anyone you could walk up and talk to would be lucky to have a conversation with you. Have the nerve to realize your own value and to put a value on every situation you walk into. Then do one thing. Never settle for less than everything you’re worth.