We have heard enough about how to succeed in life or at Toastmasters. Haven’t we? But, have you heard of how to fail? If you have come this far, you may want to read the next couple of paragraphs because this maybe you. These following steps are easy to follow, and more or less, 7 out of 10 people in the world have been living up to it consciously or subconsciously.
Step 1:
The first step to failing is finding a fault in anything and everything. As a human, our most significant ability is the ability of reasoning. However, we are not just limited to reasoning but questioning our logic, and on top, we counter-question the first question we ask for our reasoning. As a result, we are indecisive of any situation, tasks, plans, and programs introduced to us. An easy way out, find a fault, disagree, be adamant on your decision, and broadcast why an idea or plan will not work and not the other way around.
Step 2:
The second step is not being responsible and accountable. It is easy as eating an instant meal; make sure you have fingers to point, and you are done. Do not take responsibility for any tasks, deadlines, and any errands. Make sure to have a person, a team, time, the outer circumstances, the technology, or your lack of understanding to blame but do not be accountable for any missed deadlines or lack of performance.
Step 3:
The third step includes comparison. However, be careful when you compare. I mean comparing your performance with slackers and not the people or results with the highest standards. Always ensure to compare your mediocrity with people who are below your achievement. Doing that, you will get a sense of satisfaction and great pleasure. It will also help you dodge the guilt of not having done up to the par or required benchmark.
Step 4:
The last but not the least is delaying appreciation. Make sure to broadcast yourself as ”self-made” when you get the desired result but never give credit to your team for success. You are a one-man army, and although there are a lot of people who contributed to your success, do not give them the credit that is due. Do not thank your mentors, seniors, your subordinates, your colleagues, and your juniors because doing so will empower them and make them more productive and you a success, and we are trying to fail.
If you follow the instructions point by point, you will end up a failure. These tips are not just limited to Toastmasters but also real life.
However, if you ask me, what is the recipe for success? My answer is, success is everything opposite to whatever is mentioned in the article.
Shaurab Lohani, DTM, Kathmandu/Tourism Toastmasters