Sabie 27 June 2020
There is only one way… to get anybody to do anything.
And that is by making the other person want to do it.
– Dale Carnegie
The simple truth, of this statement, is manifest in the scurrying preparation for todays ride. Last minute adjustments and checks. The fond, proud stroke of man to stead. Uncharacteristically, it is the BMW that requires a little attention this morning. A couple of well placed hose clamps on an “abused” silver rod, will render her almost as good as new. Battle scars my old war horse now wears with pride.
The enthusiasm and anticipation, momentarily deferred, only long enough, for the guys to – smash some thinly sliced pig and scrambled egg into their gaping gullets. Aunty Debbie looked on in horror, as she realized that her delicately prepared meal, would now end up at the very source of the colloquial vulgarity being spewed forth from those very same orifices.
But I digress. Whilst it may be true, that my opinion, does not muster the following, nor generate the financial wealth- of “uncle Dale”, it remains of importance and of value, to me. So my question is this, how do you “get the other person to want to do it”? Or in fact why should you, “get the other person to want to do it”?
When I look at my fellow Adventure junkies, weekend warriors, delinquent geriatrics - whatever you wanna call them. I don’t feel an urge to motivate or manipulate them, to do this. I don’t have to “get them to do this”. Truth is they just wanna do it. To them this is not an effort or obligation, it is a privilege. The value lies therein, that they “GET to do it”. A subtle but profound difference!
Therin lies my next question, what is the difference between motivation and manipulation? Is it acceptable to “motivate”, someone when you know, it is in their best interest and for their benefit? Is it wrong and selfish to manipulate others to do things for my personal motives or benefit?
As we kit up and ignite our noble steeds. Their deep throated roars and melodious beat, drown out any debate, questions and doubts. I’m filled with deep sense of appreciation and gratitude, that I am one, of the select few, that “GET” to do this. And to the dreary, timid masses who don’t, I have only this to say, “you really -really aughta wanna!”
