Intelligent Laziness

Quoting General Von Manstein on the German Officer Corp, “There are only four types of officer. First, there are the lazy, stupid ones. Leave them alone, they do no harm…Second, there are the hard-working intelligent ones. They make excellent staff officers, ensuring that every detail is properly considered. Third, there are the hard-working stupid ones. These people are a menace and must be fired at once. They create irrelevant work for everybody. Finally, there are the intelligent lazy ones. They are suited for the highest office.” (p. 187)

Intelligence and Success

“Intelligence excusitis or “I lack brains” is common. In fact, it’s so common that perhaps as many as 95 percent of people around us have it in varying degrees. Unlike most other types of excusitis, people suffering from this particular type of the malady suffer in silence. Not many people will admit openly that they think they lack adequate intelligence. Rather, they feel it deep down inside.” (p. 34)

How to Develop the Power of Believing in Yourself

1. “Think success, don’t think failure. At work, in your home, substitute success thinking for failure thinking. When you face a difficult situation, think, ‘I’ll win,’ not ‘I’ll probably lose.’
2. Remind yourself regularly that you are better than you think you are. Successful people are not supermen. Success does not require super-intellect. Nor is there anything mystical about success. And success isn’t based on luck. Successful people are just ordinary folks who have developed believe in themselves and what they do. Never–yes, never–sell yourself short.
3. Believe Big. The size of your success is determined by the size of your belief. Think little goals and expect little achievements. Think big goals and win big success. Remember this, too! Big ideas and big plans are often easier–certainly no more difficult–than small ideas and small plans.” (pp. 25-26)