Something More Weekly

#23 Forty questions

Towards the back of Arthur R. Pell's revised and expanded version of Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (1937), there are forty questions that appear to be designed to test the negativity in the subject's thought patterns. Thought I'd blog my answers to the first twenty:

1) Do you often complain of 'feeling bad'? If so, what is the cause?

I don't think so. Often lately I feel tired as a result of staying up late watching Netflix but I don't think I complain about it.

2) Do you find fault with other people at the slightest provocation?

I don't think so. I can be quite analytical but I don't think I dwell overly on people's faults.

3) Do you frequently make mistakes in your work? If so, why?

I don't think I'm significantly less accurate than most other workers.

4) Are you sarcastic and offensive in your conversation?

Very rarely. One should treat others as well as one can.

5) Do you deliberately avoid the association of anyone? If so, why?

I deliberately avoid the association of most people from time to time. I like my own space.

6) Do you suffer frequently from indigestion? If so, why?

Nope.

7) Does life seem futile and the future hopeless to you? If so, why?

I have some hope. It's only natural.

8) Do you like your occupation? If not, why?

I like it enough. The people I work with are respectful, professional and friendly.

9) Do you often feel self-pity? If so, why?

On some level I probably do and I think it's partly in my genes but don't read in to this. I can be proud too.

10) Are you envious of those who excel you?

I think if you dug deep enough you'd find some envy down there but more than a normal amount? I'm not sure. I'm believe I have a reasonable attitude towards material wealth, as most of us probably do.

11) To which do you devote most time? Thinking of success or thinking of failure?

I rekon it's about fifty fifty as I spend a lot of time thinking about both. I'm not sure though.

12) Are you gaining or losing self-confidence as you grow older?

I am more confident around others and in certain situations than I was when I was younger. Overall I have probably gained some with age so far.

13) Do you learn something of value from all mistakes?

One tries.

14) Are you permitting some relative or acquaintance to worry you? If so, why?

No. I don't get the feeling any of them have anything that they want to worry me about at the moment.

15) Are you sometimes 'in the clouds' and at other times in the depths of despondency?

I think occasionally I am but most of the time my emotions are fairly well balanced.

16) Who has the most inspiring influence on you? What is the cause?

My dad. Natural causes.

17) Do you tolerate negative or discouraging influences that you can avoid?

Not usually. I don't drive, smoke, drink excessively or keep poor company.

18) Are you careless of your personal appearance? If so, when and why?

Casual, not careless.

19) Have you learned how to drown your troubles by being too busy to be annoyed by them?

I don't think this would always be a good idea and no, I haven't.

20) Would you call yourself a 'spineless weakling' if you permitted others to do your thinking for you?

Delegation can be useful. I try not to call myself names.