And That is Why You Fail (1222 hits)
Category: GeneralRating: 1.93 on 34 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Envenom (View user info) at 2005-03-04 11:00:13 EST
Preface: I recently directed some unfair criticism towards 1Point21Gigawatts' piece "My Life Kicks Ass and You Don't Believe It. So Why Should You?" http://www.ubersite.com/m/60911 Part of the reasoning for my comments was because I initially felt it came off as arrogant and a bit corny. The irony here is that a month or so ago I had written a piece with similar sentiment, but chose not to post it because I was concerned that people might perceive it in similar fashion. To date it is the only thing I have ever written for Uber and not posted.
Another reason why I responded the way I did is because of a major difference in philosophy. I didn't like the insinuation that there is a direct correlation between material possessions and happiness, because to me personally there's not. Give me a guitar, a bag of weed and a roof over my head and I'm happy. Still, I should have taken into consideration the fact that to some people there IS a direct correlation between material possessions and happiness because they do in fact derive happiness from said possessions.
I found it interesting that one user noted "Confidence is 50% of all of it." This is what I mean when I say "difference in philosophy," because to me, confidence isn't everything, it's the only thing. In reference to 1.21's comment about dressing better, he's right, to an extent. Dressing well can help to make you feel better about yourself, but if that confidence is already present it's not necessarily a requirement. I know plenty of guys who get chicks with no problem and wear a wife beater and jeans everywhere they go. It is the confidence itself that is the key to that equation. To further explain, I've decided to post the original piece in it's entirety. Take it for what it is...
And That is Why You Fail
I'm one of those people who irritates others because things always seem to go my way. I'm the guy at work who's always goofing off when the boss isn't looking, but just happens to be in the right place at the right time and somehow gets promoted. Some would say it's luck, and I would agree with that only if you break it down as the old saying goes: Luck is where opportunity meets preparation. When it comes to things in my life that I am passionate about, I devote myself to them and make sure that I learn and experience as much as I can so I'm ready when I get my chance, but that is not my secret. What is my secret? Why do things always seem to work out for me, even when the chips are down? Is it something in the stars? Well, yes, in a manner of speaking.
"Ok, I'll give it a try."
"No, try not. Do, or do not, there is no try."
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"I don't believe it."
"That is why you fail."
I'm sure many of you remember these famous lines from Luke's training sequence with Yoda in the Empire Strikes Back, but this is not just a bunch of Jedi mumbo jumbo. Truer words have never been spoken. I don't mean to insult the intelligent minds of Uber, as I'm sure many of you already grasp this concept, but for those who do not I cannot emphasize this enough. Quite simply, things work out for me because I believe that they will. When tragedy strikes or something goes wrong, I am able to brush it off and move on because I believe in my heart one hundred percent without a doubt that things will work out for me in the end. They always do.
I don't believe we're pawns, but I do believe that everything happens for a reason, and what is meant to be will be. As a musician, I network, and am always astounded by the different people I meet in different places, and how I come in contact with them. Many times I will find that at some point in the past our paths nearly crossed, as if they were destined to cross eventually. You might think because of this that I'd be a fairly religious person, but I tend to fall back on the Selma Hayek / Dogma philosophy...
"It's not about who's right or wrong. No denomination's nailed it yet because they're all too self righteous to realize that it doesn't matter what you have faith in, just that you HAVE faith."
Whether or not you agree with that statement, I think one thing everyone can agree upon is that faith seems to be the common thread with any religion. As I said, things work out for me because I have faith that they will, and have faith in myself. This is common sense, right? If it were, I wouldn't have felt compelled to write this post.
I have a very close friend who happens to be one of the most talented people I've ever met. This is someone with whom I've spent six years focused on artistic endeavors, and it appears our paths may soon part. Why? Because after six years of watching him muddle around in circles like the shopping cart with the broken wheel, I'm convinced that he will never be happy or successful until he changes his outlook on life. To him, the glass is half-empty. To him, always it cannot be done. He is the eternal pessimist, and it kills me to think that his talent may go unnoticed by the rest of the world simply because he has not grasped this most basic philosophy.
How does this happen? How is it that someone who is ten years my senior has made it to this juncture in life without having learned this valuable lesson? How? Because somewhere along the way he was broken. Somewhere down line his spirit was crushed and he fell into a pattern of negative behavior, which began a downward spiral of negative events. His life experience is the antithesis of mine. While things are always working out for me, every conceivable thing goes wrong for him. I find it no coincidence that he's always using words like "can't" and "never" and "won't." What other explanation could there be? Something in the stars? We're both Pisces.
Art is a very touchy thing. So much of inspiration is dependent on vibes, and for six years I have tried my best to create enough positive energy for both of us. At times it's like towing an anchor and can be quite draining, but I don't mind and would continue if I thought it would lead to anything. It's hard to help someone find direction however if they don't know what they want, and I'm convinced that this individual would find reasons to be unhappy even in the perfect situation. It's one thing to be a perfectionist and hone your craft, but what's the point of rehearsing behind closed doors for years and years for a show that never comes? Call Axl, I think he's looking for musicians. You can only prepare so much, at some point you just have to wing it and let it ride.
Years ago I read a book by Claude M. Bristol called "The Magic of Believing," and it changed my life forever. This isn't required reading for everyone, as many of the lessons taught in this book can be found in various religious text, but for anyone who may have not yet found their path it is well worth reading. The title may sound corny, but to say that it had a profound impact on my life would be an understatement. It follows the travels of Mr. Bristol, a man of science, as he studies different cultures, religions, faith healers etc. and attempts to apply scientific method to the incredible things he has witnessed and discovered.
For those who are too lazy to read, the simplified message of the book is this: Negative thoughts create negative energy, which in turn yields negative results. I implore you not to disregard this as psychobabble. It is the honest to god truth, so much so that I decided to risk what little credibility I may have left on this site just to share that message with you. Sayings like "where there's a will, there's a way" and "in order to be successful one must project an image of success at all times" don't become sayings by accident, but above all else it is belief that truly has the power to move mountains. Visualize yourself being successful and attaining the things you desire. Burn the image into your mind until is accepted as fact. There is no room for doubt, as doubt is a cancer that will slowly eat away at you until nothing but a carcass remains.
I am certainly not the richest person in the world, but I have most every thing I could possibly need /want, and have time to pursue the things I love. To me, that is the definition of success. Does that mean I am content? No, I hope I never get to that point, because if I am content that will mean all the work has been done, and there will be no point carrying on. I recently came in contact with a young band, the members all about eighteen or nineteen years old. The one thing that struck me about them was how hungry they were, moving to "the big city," all housed in a one-bedroom apartment, trying to live the dream. It occurred to me that I had that hunger once and lost it somewhere along the way. While their youthful exuberance has inspired me, it may be time for me to reassess my goals, as my objectives may have changed. Whatever path I choose however, I'm confident that I'll make it. I wish you the same success in your endeavors.
If I could afford to buy everyone on Uber a copy of this book I would, it really means that much to me. I encourage anyone who has an interest in science, religion, or unexplained phenomena to check it out.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0671745212/qid=1106356681/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/102-2026232-0498522?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
User Reviews
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-06 21:46:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
For whatever reason, great art seems to come from pain or sorrow more often than pleasure.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-06 21:45:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
i think there can also be a mysterious attraction to 'failure'.
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Yes, I can see that as well. I like to refer to the old Kurt Cobain line "I miss the comfort in being sad." As someone who used to go through tremendous bouts of depression, I can say there were times that I actually craved and sought out that feeling, particularly as a basis of inspiration for artistic endeavors.
Submitted by shandythedog (user info) at 2005-03-06 21:38:18 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
intersting and well written
i think there can also be a mysterious attraction to 'failure'.
there is an interesting short story by em forster, i forget the name of it.
it might be 'the other side of the hedge'
basically, everyone is trudging along this dull, dusty path like exhausted soldiers. on the other side of the hedge is a parkland where everyone is having fun.
it seemed the only way to get off the dusty track and through the hedge was either by falling sufficiently far behind the pack, or getting sufficiently far ahead.
Submitted by Joemama (user info) at 2005-03-04 23:03:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
Talk the Talk or
Walk the Walk
I'll lead,follow or just go with the latter, always.
The End
Submitted by Ed_0150 (user info) at 2005-03-04 20:04:38 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by BuckeyesTHEGAME (user info) at 2005-03-04 17:00:11 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
This one time I was on a boat, and this old man was like: "COME TO THE BACK OF THE BOAT!!!"
He was weird. The Browns suck. +2
Submitted by Dead_0hi0_Sky (user info) at 2005-03-04 16:56:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
you know, if you would've used the famous quote,
"begun, this clone war has"
from jedi master Yoda, this post would've made no sense whatsoever.
im just tellin ya.
Submitted by jme7551 (user info) at 2005-03-04 16:48:04 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
i was married and had a nice house and nice things and was unhappy now i dont have such a nice house and i am getting divorced and i am still unhappy so it all balances out
Submitted by munkeypants (user info) at 2005-03-04 14:59:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
one of your best posts?
Submitted by MyNameIsTim (user info) at 2005-03-04 14:01:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
have you seen the movie What the BLeeP do we know?
its a good flick...probably thes ame kind of stuff thats in your book
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-04 13:22:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Yeah, Gene is great. I love his work on Death's Symbolic and Individual Thought Patterns.
And yes loki, that is a fair assumption.
Btw, you weren't referring to the Shell on Woodlawn, between Park and South, were you? I drove by that one for years without noticing it was there, and there are definitely some shady characters there.
Submitted by GodLovesALittleLovin (user info) at 2005-03-04 13:13:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-04 13:07:34 (#)
Ranking: 0
Damn, bummer. I love me some Meshuggah. Mike Patton and Fantomas finished out the last leg of that tour.
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I can only listen to Fantomas if i'm stoned out of my mind. The new Meshuggah ep, "I", is 23 minutes of pure, unbridled math metal. Some of their best stuff in years. I can't wait for "Catch 33" when it comes out April/May. I also highly suggest the new Strapping Young Lad entitled "Alien". Gene Hoglan is my drumming god.
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2005-03-04 13:12:53 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Based on this, is it safe to assume that you are no longer out of weed?
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2005-03-04 13:10:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Wow. Mike Patton is still around.
I used my Faith No More "The Real Thing" tour shirt as a rag to change my oil last weekend.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-04 13:07:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Damn, bummer. I love me some Meshuggah. Mike Patton and Fantomas finished out the last leg of that tour.
Submitted by GodLovesALittleLovin (user info) at 2005-03-04 13:00:20 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I'f your talking about salival then i'm all the way with you on that one, Third-eye live is fucking ubelievable. That, and their cover of "no quarter" which I listened to for months after it came out.I had tickets to see them on September 12, 2001 with fucking MESHUGGAH OF ALL BANDS, and then those terrorists sons of bitches ruin it all. Didn't even come back to play a pick-up show....
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-04 12:57:37 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Yup. They did a live version of that on their CD/DVD box set. Incredible. When I heard the studio version I never thought they'd ever be able to do justice to that live. Boy was I wrong.
Submitted by GodLovesALittleLovin (user info) at 2005-03-04 12:56:08 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Third eye right?
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-04 12:54:35 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
This was also used in a Tool track off of Undertow,
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Aenema actually, but yes.
Submitted by GodLovesALittleLovin (user info) at 2005-03-04 12:50:51 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-04 11:56:49 (#)
Ranking: 0
"Today a young man on acid realized that all matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration, that we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream, and we are the imagination of ourselves. Here's Tom with the weather." - Bill Hicks
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Bill Hicks was way fucking ahead of his time, and still is in a lot of aspect even though he is dead. This was also used in a Tool track off of Undertow, think it was the last track. I just wanted to reiterate that I now love you and will read your posts whenever possible. That is all.
Submitted by FelizJbirth (user info) at 2005-03-04 12:37:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2005-03-04 12:25:31 (#)
Ranking: 2
"My biggest trip was 42 hits of acid and I can't even begin to insanity and the joy all mixed in one."
HO-LEE FUCK!
Out of curiosity, did you play Black Sabbath records at 78 speed and then see God?
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Unfortunately not - here's what I remember: (sorry, I love telling drug stores)
There was only me and my roommate, who had taken about half of what I had, and we had basically locked ourselves into our small apartment in Montreal. About 20 minutes in (it was that fast), we had the TV on and "Who wants to be a millionaire?" was on. I usually don't get that confused on acid, but for about 20 minutes I actually thought I was a contestant on the show. Whenever they did that "DU DU DUH" with the music and lights, well you can imagine. That was the only real funny part I can remember and it was just so insane. To actually believe you're on a TV show because there's a TV 5 feet away from you is a very strange experience. The rest of it was obviously deeply twisted as well and I did spend a lot of listening to music, seeing "God" etc... my roommate was into Black Sabbath so there's a chance I heard some but it was like 7 years ago so I can't remember.
I would have saw "God" if I heard the "By Mennen" jingle I think. =)
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-04 12:30:15 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2005-03-04 12:25:31 (#)
Ranking: 2
"My biggest trip was 42 hits of acid and I can't even begin to insanity and the joy all mixed in one."
HO-LEE FUCK!
_________________________
Yeah, that's insane.
My biggest trip...pick one
http://www.ubersite.com/m/32740
http://www.ubersite.com/m/28420
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2005-03-04 12:25:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
"My biggest trip was 42 hits of acid and I can't even begin to insanity and the joy all mixed in one."
HO-LEE FUCK!
Out of curiosity, did you play Black Sabbath records at 78 speed and then see God?
Submitted by Teephphah (user info) at 2005-03-04 12:18:57 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-04 11:26:34 (#)
Ranking: 0
Yes, yes, Subjective Truth, Soren Kierkegaard...etc. I had that trip once too.
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Hey now! I'm still ON that trip!
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Honestly, this was great. Just outstanding. There is sooo much in here that I agree with (and NOT JUST because it is Star Wars related), and yet, in real life, I find myself bouncing between the "ideology" you espouse here, and some deep seated pessimism that I managed to pick up somewhere along the line.
I don't know . . . I've bookmarked this post, and I have a feeling that, "In time, I will call YOU "Master."
Submitted by FelizJbirth (user info) at 2005-03-04 12:17:28 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
It's funny that you talk about psychedelics in this kind of a situation. I love my LSD, I love my mushrooms, but I spent my entire university career taking as much of either as possible. As a result, I lost a lot of confidence. I've always looked at it this way: When you realize on the "psychedelic" level that you're ultimately no more important than a piece of wood or a hamster, it doesn't help the ego. Thus the term ego loss. Ego loss is two things to me: a) the most important and the closest thing to spirituality one will ever get, and b) a good way to drain your confidence. Of course, not everyone reacts that way. It's often so subtle it's even hard to notice. It also depends on how MUCH you take. I've taken LSD hundreds upon hundreds of times, I've taken over 20 hits of acid about 5 times. Now THAT is an experience. My biggest trip was 42 hits of acid and I can't even begin to insanity and the joy all mixed in one.
Sorry for the druggie rant, I loves me some LSD. =)
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2005-03-04 12:10:03 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
You and I have very similar outlooks. I'm an optimist. there is no situation that I can't eventually come out on top of.
I also feel that you create your own luck. That being said, I am the luckiest son of a bitch on the face of this planet. Everything that I touch turns to gold because I don't give up on it. then again, that may be just a matter of perception.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-04 11:56:49 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
"Today a young man on acid realized that all matter is merely energy condensed to a slow vibration, that we are all one consciousness experiencing itself subjectively, there is no such thing as death, life is only a dream, and we are the imagination of ourselves. Here's Tom with the weather." - Bill Hicks
Submitted by GodLovesALittleLovin (user info) at 2005-03-04 11:39:21 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I agree with Jeannee as well, unless it's satirical. Satirical ego-boosting is hilarious.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-04 11:36:55 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
I just have one request: I don't want to read any more posts on this site that consist of someone boasting, without irony, about how great they have it, and "advising" others on how to be as cool as them. It's obnoxious.
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Heh, I agree, which is why I initially chose not to post it in the first place.
Oh, also good reading for anyone who has the time, Being and Nothingness...Jean Paul Sartre
Submitted by Jeanneee (user info) at 2005-03-04 11:34:00 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
This is an extremely well-thought-out and well-written piece.
I just have one request: I don't want to read any more posts on this site that consist of someone boasting, without irony, about how great they have it, and "advising" others on how to be as cool as them. It's obnoxious.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2005-03-04 11:26:34 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
Yes, yes, Subjective Truth, Soren Kierkegaard...etc. I had that trip once too.
Submitted by GodLovesALittleLovin (user info) at 2005-03-04 11:23:38 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
allow me to sum up your post:
there is no such thing as truth.
The only thing I need is five dried grams of psilocybin mushrooms and mother nature. THAT is what will lead us along the evolutionary path and open up "heaven on earth"
if you don't believe me your a government agent or your just an organic portal that is a thoughtless piece of motherless trash.
Submitted by wookie (user info) at 2005-03-04 11:08:27 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Exactly.
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2005-03-04 11:04:32 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
"Hell I like you, you can come over and fuck my sister!"
This was really good though, I agree for the most part