Comments on: Asshole Envy and the Value of Extreme Focus http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html Redefining the Way We Think about Money Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:57:56 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Richard X. Thripp http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html/comment-page-1#comment-881 Richard X. Thripp Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:21:14 +0000 http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html#comment-881 You don't have to abandon your family and step on others to be driven or successful. You don't even have to do those things to be an asshole. There are plenty of other ways to do it. :D You've missed the mark here. Cheating others isn't the way to be a successful asshole; the real way is to forget the critics. Critics are always telling you that you can't do this or that, and they're the ones who will consider you an asshole when you show extreme focus. Ignore them; don't let them turn you into a wishy-washy, soulless non-innovator. You don’t have to abandon your family and step on others to be driven or successful. You don’t even have to do those things to be an asshole. There are plenty of other ways to do it. :D

You’ve missed the mark here. Cheating others isn’t the way to be a successful asshole; the real way is to forget the critics. Critics are always telling you that you can’t do this or that, and they’re the ones who will consider you an asshole when you show extreme focus. Ignore them; don’t let them turn you into a wishy-washy, soulless non-innovator.

]]> By: Becky http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html/comment-page-1#comment-772 Becky Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:50:17 +0000 http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html#comment-772 Wow. I wouldn't say you HAVE to be an asshole to be a success or a millionaire. Most millionaires actually are NOT assholes. They're business men and women who can't afford to be assholes. While it's easy to name the few flamboyant and notable assholes -such as Trump and Simon, behind the scenes they do a lot of not-so-asshole like donations and work. They're not pure evil - but are often assholes. What's amazing is the fact that so many people bend over backwards to try to impress them- to gain their favor. Why? Anyway - I can be abrupt, get angry and rarely tolerate stupidity. People who insist on continuing to be stupid in my presence month after month may suffer my ire and call me an asshole...but am I an asshole? I don't think so. And I don't you have to be to be successful. It is one option and one which many people choose, but there are others. Wow. I wouldn’t say you HAVE to be an asshole to be a success or a millionaire. Most millionaires actually are NOT assholes. They’re business men and women who can’t afford to be assholes. While it’s easy to name the few flamboyant and notable assholes -such as Trump and Simon, behind the scenes they do a lot of not-so-asshole like donations and work. They’re not pure evil – but are often assholes. What’s amazing is the fact that so many people bend over backwards to try to impress them- to gain their favor. Why?

Anyway – I can be abrupt, get angry and rarely tolerate stupidity. People who insist on continuing to be stupid in my presence month after month may suffer my ire and call me an asshole…but am I an asshole? I don’t think so. And I don’t you have to be to be successful. It is one option and one which many people choose, but there are others.

]]> By: Louis http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html/comment-page-1#comment-707 Louis Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:19:33 +0000 http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html#comment-707 In case my email doesn't show write to : WorldWildWest@aol.com In case my email doesn’t show write to : WorldWildWest@aol.com

]]> By: Louis http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html/comment-page-1#comment-706 Louis Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:14:27 +0000 http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html#comment-706 These people we call assholes and Jerks doesn't have the essence to be envied upon - they might appear to be on top of the world but beneath their oriental Rug is what you shouldn't be envied upon - yeah they've got the Money / Power / Prestige & Lots of Asskissing admirers but Lacks Peace of Mind True friendship, Happiness and Lasting Relationship people admire them with an eye on their pockets - If they lose it all Tomorrow what would they have Left show ??? only pity from their Mom and a Highschool Buddy they've never bother to Call in a decade ; these people do use people and love money - call it a temporary power rush , personally i wouldn't want to be in their own personal misery ; I've met assholes that comes & Goes, worst thing of all when you're on a ship with assholes for a crew shooting bullets to the floor or Being married to the Mother of one of them, i've been married for Eight years with the Mother of my five grown ups, i get along well with every one of them, i've worked hard towards having a good relationship with them, they consider me a sociable and responsible stepfather, however there's only "one hair on my soup" what i mean by that is that: one of them turned out to a real Jerk, i can't say i've never tried because i did my best throughout these years to be his best Friend, he's the type of Characters who's primary goal is to set himself apart from his own family - how do i know this - i had a private discussion with one of his Brothers and later on My Wife finally admitted that he's always been that way since growing up in the family he always wanted expensive stuff and will only marry a girl for the money, Money is his main course meal - Good People comes second , i have learned to accept his ways and wouldn't hate him for that, is just his main principles is what i cannot accept, i won't get discouraged from being Good to others even his own girlfriend who's the opposite to him, she recently Bought me a small father's Day present , Life Goes On after all -- For those sharing similar experience my advice is to remain calm, don't lower yourself at their level, Confronting them might solve the problem if you have the proper words handy and chances that you'd take, watch how you put it if not don't make a fool of yourself, some people can turn your words around then accuse you of being the ultimate Jerk, remember - pride goes before failure - best of all Just ignore them next time you have a chance, meanwhile focus on your pursuit to Cultivate Good friends & financial success, measure people for "who they are " regardless of socioeconomic status .- Lou For those who might have similar experiences and have further questions please,drop me a Line. These people we call assholes and Jerks doesn’t have the essence to be envied upon – they might appear to be on top of the world but beneath their oriental Rug is what you shouldn’t be envied upon – yeah they’ve got the Money / Power / Prestige & Lots of Asskissing admirers but Lacks Peace of Mind True friendship, Happiness and Lasting Relationship people admire them with an eye on their pockets – If they lose it all Tomorrow what would they have Left show ??? only pity from their Mom and a Highschool Buddy they’ve never bother to Call in a decade ; these people do use people and love money – call it a temporary power rush , personally i wouldn’t want to be in their own personal misery ;
I’ve met assholes that comes & Goes, worst thing of all when you’re on a ship with assholes for a crew shooting bullets to the floor or Being married to the Mother of one of them, i’ve been married for Eight years with the Mother of my five grown ups, i get along well with every one of them, i’ve worked hard towards having a good relationship with them, they consider me a sociable and responsible stepfather, however there’s only “one hair on my soup” what i mean by that is that: one of them turned out to a real Jerk, i can’t say i’ve never tried because i did my best throughout these years to be his best Friend, he’s the type of Characters who’s primary goal is to set himself apart from his own family – how do i know this – i had a private discussion with one of his Brothers and later on My Wife finally admitted that he’s always been that way since growing up in the family he always wanted expensive stuff and will only marry a girl for the money, Money is his main course meal – Good People comes second , i have learned to accept his ways and wouldn’t hate him for that, is just his main principles is what i cannot accept, i won’t get discouraged from being Good to others even his own girlfriend who’s the opposite to him, she recently Bought me a small father’s Day present , Life Goes On after all — For those sharing similar experience my advice is to remain calm, don’t lower yourself at their level, Confronting them might solve the problem if you have the proper words handy and chances that you’d take, watch how you put it if not don’t make a fool of yourself, some people can turn your words around then accuse you of being the ultimate Jerk, remember – pride goes before failure – best of all Just ignore them next time you have a chance, meanwhile focus on your pursuit to Cultivate Good friends & financial success, measure people for “who they are ” regardless of socioeconomic status .- Lou

For those who might have similar experiences and have further questions please,drop me a Line.

]]> By: John Manno http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html/comment-page-1#comment-701 John Manno Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:48:56 +0000 http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html#comment-701 Having met many highly successful artists and musicians, world class artists and musicians in fact, I'd have to completely agree with you sir. In fact, you answered a life long question of mine. Which is, "Why are they so cruel?" Even when these folks I've known are perfectly polite, there's always a very cold edge to them. And you're right. It's their focus. They've sacrificed EVERYTHING, and I do mean everything, in order to be the best at what they do. It's a terrible price, one that I've never been at all interested in paying, but it must be done in order to do something truly and deeply remarkable. And frankly, I'm suspicious of "philanthropy". Given the level of monomania I've seen in the art world, I'd assume a similar level (perhaps more) exists in the business world. Being hyper-committed to philanthropy is not much better than being hyper-committed to anything else really. A philanthropic organization is just another organization for the most part. Many friends of mine with certain political viewpoints have much to say about philanthropy in this context. This is a terrible duality, to be sure. We've all collectively created a social system where perfectly good, well meaning people, like so many I've known, are forced to perform superhuman tasks in order to succeed. Much of that is due to how we've collectively decided what "success" means. I'm sure that someone somewhere has written a very long and complicated sociology thesis on the social perceptions of power, wealth, and social status. But I honestly think it boils down to this: We all want to be "good", and strive for that; but what "good" means seems muddled and confused in our social contexts. We cannot be "assholes", but we MUST be focussed. Perhaps that is a task that is impossible for a human being, or most. Just my two cents. Thanks! Just my two cents. Thank you sir! Having met many highly successful artists and musicians, world class artists and musicians in fact, I’d have to completely agree with you sir. In fact, you answered a life long question of mine. Which is, “Why are they so cruel?” Even when these folks I’ve known are perfectly polite, there’s always a very cold edge to them.

And you’re right. It’s their focus. They’ve sacrificed EVERYTHING, and I do mean everything, in order to be the best at what they do. It’s a terrible price, one that I’ve never been at all interested in paying, but it must be done in order to do something truly and deeply remarkable.

And frankly, I’m suspicious of “philanthropy”. Given the level of monomania I’ve seen in the art world, I’d assume a similar level (perhaps more) exists in the business world. Being hyper-committed to philanthropy is not much better than being hyper-committed to anything else really. A philanthropic organization is just another organization for the most part. Many friends of mine with certain political viewpoints have much to say about philanthropy in this context.

This is a terrible duality, to be sure. We’ve all collectively created a social system where perfectly good, well meaning people, like so many I’ve known, are forced to perform superhuman tasks in order to succeed. Much of that is due to how we’ve collectively decided what “success” means. I’m sure that someone somewhere has written a very long and complicated sociology thesis on the social perceptions of power, wealth, and social status.

But I honestly think it boils down to this: We all want to be “good”, and strive for that; but what “good” means seems muddled and confused in our social contexts. We cannot be “assholes”, but we MUST be focussed. Perhaps that is a task that is impossible for a human being, or most.

Just my two cents. Thanks!

Just my two cents. Thank you sir!

]]> By: creativeherb http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html/comment-page-1#comment-696 creativeherb Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:35:58 +0000 http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html#comment-696 I think if you want to know just how far you can go, focus is very important. Personally I hate mediocrity, because if you can get from the "below average" level to the "middle" level, then with more focus and will power, you can achieve an "above average" status. I see the huge potential in tons of people around me, and it sometimes make me wonder or even disappointed why those people do not try to realize their potentials. I wonder about contentment and how many people who preach it truly lives in it. Or is it a fear of stepping ahead of everyone, no longer able to follow someone's back, into the less trodden roads of 'above average'? Good post Jon! I think if you want to know just how far you can go, focus is very important. Personally I hate mediocrity, because if you can get from the “below average” level to the “middle” level, then with more focus and will power, you can achieve an “above average” status.

I see the huge potential in tons of people around me, and it sometimes make me wonder or even disappointed why those people do not try to realize their potentials.

I wonder about contentment and how many people who preach it truly lives in it. Or is it a fear of stepping ahead of everyone, no longer able to follow someone’s back, into the less trodden roads of ‘above average’?

Good post Jon!

]]> By: Shaun Connell http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html/comment-page-1#comment-694 Shaun Connell Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:04:52 +0000 http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html#comment-694 Quite frankly, I find the above article outrageously ... horrifying. By rounding up the successful as "assholes" because of some superstar succesful people, (including fictitious individuals) is just scary. The cultural wars where achievers are seen as [insert negative word] is simply wrongheaded and ignorant. I know several dozen millionaires, and every one of them are hard-working, lovable, good-natured individuals. Every one. That's because making money requires building relationships, networking, and people liking you. <strong>It's called self-marketing.</strong> I'll wager you aren't rich, and with such a mindset, I hope you won't be. You don't get rich because you're an ass. And you don't become an ass because you are rich. If anything, all you did was link FAME and being an asshole. Now there you might have somethin. Quite frankly, I find the above article outrageously … horrifying. By rounding up the successful as “assholes” because of some superstar succesful people, (including fictitious individuals) is just scary. The cultural wars where achievers are seen as [insert negative word] is simply wrongheaded and ignorant.

I know several dozen millionaires, and every one of them are hard-working, lovable, good-natured individuals. Every one. That’s because making money requires building relationships, networking, and people liking you.

It’s called self-marketing.

I’ll wager you aren’t rich, and with such a mindset, I hope you won’t be. You don’t get rich because you’re an ass. And you don’t become an ass because you are rich.

If anything, all you did was link FAME and being an asshole. Now there you might have somethin.

]]> By: Steve Mills http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html/comment-page-1#comment-661 Steve Mills Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:51:57 +0000 http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html#comment-661 I think that it is athe middle path that brings both happiness and sucess. Too much focus and your life is out of balance in the Donald Trump direction, too little and your life is controlled by the Donald Trumps of the world. I think that it is athe middle path that brings both happiness and sucess. Too much focus and your life is out of balance in the Donald Trump direction, too little and your life is controlled by the Donald Trumps of the world.

]]> By: Executivehacks - David Hutchison http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html/comment-page-1#comment-645 Executivehacks - David Hutchison Tue, 11 Mar 2008 06:24:20 +0000 http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html#comment-645 Of course you have to go to one extreme or the other to get people excited. The only problem is, I know al sorts of very wealthy people with good marriages, are philanthropic without wanting recognition and in fact are very nice people. There are assholes in every tax bracket. Just as there are angels with all levels of income. Of course you have to go to one extreme or the other to get people excited. The only problem is, I know al sorts of very wealthy people with good marriages, are philanthropic without wanting recognition and in fact are very nice people.

There are assholes in every tax bracket. Just as there are angels with all levels of income.

]]> By: another steve http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html/comment-page-1#comment-618 another steve Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:48:47 +0000 http://www.onmoneymaking.com/asshole-envy-and-the-value-of-extreme-focus.html#comment-618 If you aren't starting from an attitude of altruism in the first place, then you're automatically a sleazebag in my eyes. Two kinds of people succeed at business in my experience, those who get in to help others first, and are rewarded for it, or those who are so ruthless and selfish that they astonish good people out of their livelihoods before they know what hit them. Those in between don't succeed so much, but they often get by somehow. Likewise, philanthropists seem to come from two directions: Those that care more about others than themselves, and those who cynically throw a few bones at the rabble to make their own success look less heinous. If you aren’t starting from an attitude of altruism in the first place, then you’re automatically a sleazebag in my eyes.

Two kinds of people succeed at business in my experience, those who get in to help others first, and are rewarded for it, or those who are so ruthless and selfish that they astonish good people out of their livelihoods before they know what hit them. Those in between don’t succeed so much, but they often get by somehow.

Likewise, philanthropists seem to come from two directions: Those that care more about others than themselves, and those who cynically throw a few bones at the rabble to make their own success look less heinous.

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