15: Shark

Friends, to write is to bare one's soul from time to time. This one means more to me than a few words strung together, Let me know what you think. God bless
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In war it is reputed to be a good strategy to continually keep your opponent guessing. The less they know of your thoughts, plans, intentions and movements, the better your chances of obtaining victory in a contest of wills

The ability to feign real or imagined stupidity is also believed to be an indispensable quality of those who will succeed. Throwing people of balance by acting less able than you are involves hiding your abilities. How able are you to keep your strengths and weaknesses hidden?

Sometimes in dealing with people who could be intimidated by your strengths, it becomes wise to downplay your strengths to ensure your survival. For superiors who either have low self esteem or a poor skills base, it is sometimes wise to adopt this strategy of hiding your strengths lest they feel threatened and then crush your chances of advancement.

When you are haggling for a commodity in the market, your ability to conceal your obvious love for the item will affect the sellers ‘abeg’ price (the price at which he tells you to visit Satan’s home). Too great a display of interest raises the scent of blood for the shrewd businessman, very few can resist going for the kill at this discovery. Like a shark, he moves in for the kill swiftly.

There are also employers who will give the worst possible offer to those they know are badly in need of money. A casual observation of the job seeker yields the distinct smell of desperation. Most people have no qualms in exploiting this to the limit.

In relationships (business and otherwise), showing too much attention may affect the response you will get from a partner. You will either be highly valued or treated as a doormat based on your level of obvious infatuation. He/she who reveals too much care and concern will usually be taken for granted. This ought not to be but it is the sad reality

Only a few people can resist the temptation of not using their knowledge of the dispositions of others against them. It is more natural to exploit others than it is to protect them.

This is the thought of my heart at this time. How many times have I been a ‘Shark’ myself and moved in at the scent of blood? How many times have you done so?

While doing this may yield immediate benefits, it is not a sustainable strategy. Those who are taken advantage of will eventually resist and withdraw from you and I. Will that really make you happy? I don’t think so.

We must take the moral high ground in all our dealings. I believe in winning and succeeding in everything I do but I would rather not do it at the expense of anyone else. Their needs, their dreams, their flaws, their passions and even their concern for me should not form a basis for me to take them for granted nor take advantage of them.

This is my earnest prayer. So help me God.



Face the day boldly...if you fall, get up and keep running!