Monday Motivation 7/24/2000

What does it mean to be a self-starter?

I'm certain you can quote me the old adage about self-starters: "There are three types of people in this world. The ones who are self-starters, the ones who need to be pushed, and the ones who need to be towed." Obviously, you are trying to be the self-starter type.

Take this simple three-question test:

1. When confronted by a challenge, do you:

A: Immediately look for the best way to solve it, and then take action to accomplish that end?
B: Decide that the problem needs further study, and then ignore it for a while?
C: Ignore the challenge altogether, hoping that it will go away?

2. When the alarm clock goes off in the morning, do you:

A: Confidently get up and greet the new day?
B: Hit the "snooze" button, and get up on the second time around?
C: Turn off the alarm clock, and only get up when your spouse threatens you with cold water or a divorce.

3. Which cartoon character do you identify with, or hope to be like?

A: Dogbert
B: Dilbert
C: Dagwood

Hint: The self-starter is going to choose "A."

The self-starter designs the world. He or she is the optimistic sort who looks at problems as challenges. Self-starters believe that you can solve almost any problem through enough work and learning. Self-starters don't wait to be told what to do; they just get it done. Self-starters are always looking for ways to excel; for people to help; for chances to take. The self-starter is the one who is working early in the morning, and who doesn't give up until the very last ounce of worth is squeezed out of each day.

Self-starters make the economy run. They push the second group, and they schedule daytime TV for the third group. God bless them. Without them, we're all sunk.

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