Drifter vs. Non-Drifter
The major distinguishing feature of the non-drifter is that he has a mind of his own and uses it for all purposes - Napoleon Hill
My friend Ram recommended reading Napoleon Hill’s Outwitting the Devil sometime back. The book is a pure gem in many ways. One of the big ideas in the book that resonated with me is an elaborated mental model of what constitutes a typical drifter vs. non-drifter. This one arguably is a superset of the many self-help books that I’ve read so far.
In a nutshell, use the mind of your own for all purposes. Listen to others and be grateful. But you have a mind of your own. Get better at using that to the fullest extent possible, for all purposes in life.
Drifter
In brief, the drifter will work harder to get out of thinking than most others that work in earning a good living. A drifter will tell a lie rather than admit his ignorance on any subject. If he works for ohters, he will criticize them to their backs and flatter them to their faces. Drifter’s traits:
Will lack a major purpose in life.
Will be conspicuous by his lack of self-confidence.
Never accomplishes anything requiring thought and effort.
Spends all he earns and more too, if he can get credit.
Will be sick or ailing from some real or imaginary cause, and calling to high heaven if he suffers the least physical pain.
Will have little to no imagination.
Will lack enthusiasm and initiative to begin anything he’s not forced to undertake, and will plainly express his weakness by taking hte line of least resistance whenever he can do so.
Will be ill-tempered and lacking in control over his emotions.
His personality will be without magnetism and it will not attract other people.
Will have opinions on everything but accurate knowledge of nothing.
He may be jack of all trades but good at none.
Will neglect to cooperate with those around him, even those on whom he must depend for food and shelter.
Will make the same mistake over and over again, never profiting by failure.
Will be narrow-minded and intolerant on all subjects, ready to crucify those who may disagree with him.
Will expect everything of others but be willing to give little or nothing in return.
May begin many things but will complete nothing. Will be loud in his condemnation but will never tell you definitely how it can be improved.
Will never reach decisions on anything if he can avoid it, and if he’s forced to decide, will reverse himself at the first opportunity.
Will eat too much and exercise too little.
Will take a drink of liquor if someone else will pay for it.
Will criticize others who are succeeding in their chosen calling.
Non-Drifter
The major distinguishing feature of the non-drifter is this: He has a mind of his own and uses it for all purposes.
Is always engaged in doing something definite, through some well-organized plan which is definite. Has a major goal in life toward which he’s always working, and many minor goals, all of which lead toward his central scheme.
The tone of his voice, the quickness of his step, the sparkle in the eyes, the quickness of his decisions clearly mark him as a person who knows exactly what he wants and is determined to get it, no matter how long it may take or what price he must pay.
If you ask him questions, he gives you direct answers and never falls back on evasions or resorts to subterfuge.
Extends many favors to others, but accepts favors sparingly or not at all.
Will be found up front whether he is playing a game or fighting a war.
If he doesn’t know the answers, he will say so frankly.
Has a good memory; never offers an alibi for his shortcomings.
Never blames others for his mistakes no matter if they deserve the blame.
Used to be known as a go-getter, but in modern times, he is called a go-giver. You will find him making his presence felt wherever he happens to be.
Is an inspiration to all who come into contact with his mind.
Until Next Time,
Keshav :)