The Quest For Power-And How To Achieve It

 

The quest for power is everywhere amongst us.

Every person we pass on the street has experience having it in one way or another, at some point in their lives.  That very moment when that person felt it, whether they knew what it was, or whether they had no clue what had happened to them, their lives were forever changed.

Perhaps you are thinking, “I have never experienced power in my life.”

 

Well, let me take you back to being a child.

 

No, let’s go further back, a toddler perhaps.

 

Actually, let’s go back in time to when you were an infant.

 

You remember being an infant, don’t you?

 

Don’t worry, neither do I.

 

However, I am willing to bet that at some point, perhaps while still in the hospital, at some point you were hungry.

 

Around that same time, I am willing to bet that you also went to the bathroom in your cloth diaper.

 

At both of these times, would you be willing to say since you didn’t quite have the grasp on language that you hold today, perhaps you may have cried?  You know that blood curling shrill that babies make when they are hungry, or wet, or, well, worse than wet?  What happened next?  Your mom came over and took care of the situation, didn’t she?  In order to stop the crying, she fed you, or changed you, or both.

 

This was your very first experience with power.

 

Damn, did it feel good.

 

From this point on, we have either been seeking power, accumulating power, or both.  Those of us that are a little more self-righteous, may not want to admit it.  Hell, you may have suppressed the feeling so much, that you may not even believe there is anything to admit.

Then, well then there are the rest of us.  And this post is for you, my friends.

 

Before I go on however, a word of caution to those who believe power is beneath them.  YOU may not think you want, need, or even crave power, however there are plenty of people around you who do.  It would be best for you to understand why they feel the way they do, so that you at least know what you are up against when interacting with such scoundrels (wink, wink).

 

Having a healthy relationship with power is essential to becoming the best version of yourself.  It is necessary whether you want to succeed in your career, or build a business.  Power helps you become a better investor, a better spouse, a better parent, a better person.  It allows you to be your most authentic self.  Wouldn’t you agree when you are being your most authentic, genuine self, you are being the best version of you?

 

Power makes you happy.

 

Don’t believe me?  Ask anyone who is lacking power in some area of their life whether or not they are fulfilled.  Chances are, they are not.   I truly believe in order to be happy, we must feel fulfilled.

 

Can you cross the line and become power-hungry?

 

Sure.

 

Can you further cross the line and become manipulative, or even worse, Machiavellian-like?

 

Of Course.

 

Then again, sometimes having a bit of Machiavelli in you can protect you as well.  Even if you don’t life your life as Machiavelli did, you must agree there are people out there who absolutely try to replicate his ruthlessness.  The best way to overcome them, is to understand how they think, so you can see their moves and outwit them.  Thus by becoming a student of power, whether for personal gain, or personal protection, is extremely important.

But where do you start?

 

I believe the best place to start is with The 48 Laws Of Power, by Robert Greene.  Not only is this THE Bible when it comes to the study of power, it gives you both a blueprint on how those craving power behave, as well as how to go about increasing your power in a softer, more socially acceptable approach.

 

I have read this book somewhere between 5-7 times, and I keep a copy of it on my desk as a reference manual.  I use it to help me navigate certain situations in my life, and also to reflect on the behaviors of those I deal with on a regular basis, whether in business or on a personal level.  It allows me to keep others on their toes, and myself on my toes as well.

 

After you finish reading the book, do some heavy reflecting.  You will notice how those in your life, both now, and in the past, have used many of the techniques you read about against you.  Perhaps you will notice how you yourself have used some of the techniques, both consciously and subconsciously to go after, and get what you want.  In fact, you may even realize you have more of a thirst for power than you ever realized.

 

What are your thoughts about power, and those that seek it?