The Seven(teen) Habits of Highly (In)effective People

It seems to me that there is always a certain percentage of the population who, for some strange reason, seem curiously desperate to fail and extremely determined to find a way and a reason to do it; I’m sure you know at least one or two. In fact, it’s like they revel in their misery; they love to talk about how terrible and unjust the world and everyone in it has been to them.
They are contradictions because on one hand, they complain about their reality, but on the other, they seem to be right at home on planet Blaaah.

They never have anything to look forward to and never have anything to be happy about, or grateful for.

“Hey Tom, How’s it going?”
“(moan)…. don’t ask.”

“How was yer weekend?”
“You don’t wanna know.”

“How’s work?”
“It pays the bills…. sometimes.”

These people are easy to identify because they are usually stooped and have a bad lower-back from carrying the world on their shoulders, they will often have a chafed bottom lip (the sulkers lip regularly drags on the ground) and typically will have an incredibly annoying, glass-half-empty, life’s-not-fair, everybody-owes-me… disposition and attitude.

A lotta fun to be around.
Great at social functions.

And being the equal opportunity educator and coach that I am, I thought I’d help those who are desperate to make their life a misery… and possibly even help them fast-track the process.

Hey, if you’re desperate for a life of “why does this always happen to me”, then I’m here to help you create it.

Mediocrity 101 with Craig.

Alright…… now, you might need to read this post a few times because you can’t become a completely negative, resentful, bitter, twisted, pessimistic little package in just one reading; it may take a few times and some practice… so don’t put yourself under too much pressure.
And if, per chance you sense a little glimmer of hope, positivity or optimism trying to worm its way into your psyche, ignore it; it will pass…. and just focus on one of those numerous horrible people who have ruined your life.

Okay, here we go; my seventeen anti-personal development gems just for you:

1. Blame someone else – No matter what the situation or circumstance, never accept responsibility for your actions (or lack of them)… and don’t forget the three D’s; deny, deny, deny. If you want to be a genuine pain in the arse (ass), it’s crucial that you master the arts of blame and denial. If you struggle with this concept, find an Australian politician and study him for a week… that’ll help.

2. Be intolerant – If they’re not like you… they should be.

3. Complain a lot – If you’re in pain, everyone else should be too; your complaining should accomplish that. Focus especially on things you can’t change. Invest most of your emotional energy into situations and circumstances beyond your control.

Frustration is your friend; it will take your complaining to a new level.

4. Take no chances or risks – The world is scary enough without you unnecessarily increasing the risk factor. If possible, don’t leave the house much.

5. Trust no-one – Neurosis is an important quality for the highly (in)effective… work on it and understand that everyone is out to get you.

6. Don’t be overly ambitious – You’re only setting yourself up for the inevitable disappointment.. after all, you’re not that talented and you need to be realistic. Remember the last time you got a little cocky… it ended in tears didn’t it?
Don’t make the same mistake.

7. Take shortcuts – If stupidly, you do decide to try and achieve something, then shortcuts are crucial…. if it’s weight loss you’re after (for example) then try some of those fabulous, very reasonably priced and incredibly effective weight-loss products that flood the market.

The mega-hyper-fat-blaster 9000 is my personal favourite.

8. Get angry – That’s right, unload on people regularly.
They obviously don’t listen unless you’re screaming.. so throw yourself into a tirade for no apparent reason I say.
It won’t really fix anything but just seeing the fear and the confusion in their eyes is a buzz and all the yelling provides you with some temporary sense of relief.

9. Procrastinate – Always remember the procrastinators mantra:

“Why do today, what you can put off until tomorrow?”

10. Lie – To yourself and others.
Delusion is the refuge of the mediocre.
Exaggeration, embellishment, deception; all great tools to have in the liars bag…. use them often.

11. Insult – For those times when you’re feeling a bit low or perhaps cornered in a no-win conversation…. that’s the time to pull out the big gun; the insult. The nastier and the more personal, the better. Whenever possible, incorporate some reference to a physical feature.

12. Hate - Those goodie-two-shoes-types simply don’t understand what an effective motivator hate can be.

13. Be selfish – Always prioritise numero uno; it’s all about you champ.

14. Don’t listen to anyone – You know and I know that most people don’t understand what you’re going though. They clearly don’t know as much as you and are generally not worth listening to.

15. Self Pity – Nobody else is gonna feel sorry for you, so you may as well.
They don’t care. They don’t understand you, your life, your needs or situation.. .and besides, they all have an agenda. You’ve gone through more than anyone else on the planet so you have a right to a little sympathy… even if it is from you.

16. Be arrogant – Nobody knows or ‘gets it’ like you do. They think they know.. but they don’t. Whenever possible force your opinion on people… they don’t know it, but it’s for their own good. In a way, you’re actually helping them.

17. Laziness - We’ve all heard the expression: “hard work never killed anyone”… possibly one of the biggest myths perpetuated by those stupid positive thinkers. The truth is people die every day from hard work, just take a look at the stats on stress-related illness.
If you want to live a long, healthy life.. get your arse on the couch, throw in your job and enjoy the journey.

Well there you have it; the seventeen habits that can help you create the completely crap existence you’ve always desired. I know what you’re thinking…(how can I thank you enough Craig) but no, you don’t owe me anything.. just go out there and be the biggest failure you can be and I’ll be proud. Let this little self-help guide be my present to you as you continue on your path of ruining your life and driving the rest of us nuts.

Print it out, put it on the fridge, commit the habits to memory and get out there and live the under-achievers dream.

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{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }

Anonymous March 4, 2007 at 11:13 am

Hi craig, I love these type of people. They are great to talk too, because they know what they are saying and how they are saying it. They must, surely!!! And the more exposure you have to these people the easier it gets to turn them off their issue onto thinking about other things that dont need over analysising. The expressions on their faces are sometimes priceless, they look in pain when they are talking, looking at the ground, never making true eye contact. You can nearly look inside their brains and look at the little and big cogs grinding away. I am sure some clients(maybe more than some)are like this when they arrive at the studio for a session with you or one of your trainers. And I am sure at some stage, you or a trainer will say something (anything) press a button or flick a switch and they come out of their little mixed upworlds just for a few minutes at a time. I suppose the quicker and more times they are enlighten, hopefully the light will stay switched on. Are these the type of people who turn into hermits? Help them Craig, we have too many hermits in this world. As always you have written a good solid blog. I have written too much haven’t I? I have I know, sorry. Please edit accordingly. Dan from Berwick.

Reply

Craig Harper March 4, 2007 at 12:08 pm

Hey Dan,

always enjoy your thoughts… I wouldn’t dream of editing you.

Cheers.

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Anonymous March 4, 2007 at 1:15 pm

Hello Craig. Terrific blog. I spent last night with two obese friends who gave me 80 reasons why they cannot lose weight. They explained that what they needed was a personal fitness coach but they cannnot afford one. If only they could afford one their life would be different. After explaining that they were making excuses and that they had their priorities wrong they refused to talk to me. Oh well! I do not have all of the answers but at least I recognise that I am the problem and I am trying to make changes rather than whinning about why I cannot.
Look forward to every new blog you write.
Katlyn, Hamilton, Bermuda

Reply

Craig Harper March 4, 2007 at 3:18 pm

Hi Katlyn.

How dare you tell them the truth!

What were you thinking?
They don’t want answers..or suggestions, they want sympathy… because their life is so tough.

Get them to read this post… either a light will come on… or they’ll punch you in the head… Maybe stand back a little!

Cheers.

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Simone March 4, 2007 at 7:15 pm

A very clever and unique spin on Stephen Covey’s orignial ‘Seven habits of highly effective people’ and what we regular visitors have come to expect from your wonderful site. Congratulations. Sacramento. C.A.

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Craig Harper March 4, 2007 at 8:29 pm

Hi Simone.

Don’t tell Stephen!

Have a fun day..

( )

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Anice March 4, 2007 at 9:18 pm

YEAAAAAAAAAAH!
Another Tough Love epistle from the blogospherical pulpit of the velvet sledge hammer, Rev. Craig Harper. Your blog picks me up and shakes me till I hurt. Hallelujah!!
Aberdeen
Scotland

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Craig Harper March 4, 2007 at 9:28 pm

Anice… you are very funny.

You win comment of the week!

Yours Sincerely, the Velvet Sledge Hammer (Rev CH).

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Jesper March 5, 2007 at 1:54 am

Hi

While the sarcastic style of the post might not appeal to everyone, I still think you make some good points. I do believe however that almost everyone can get themselves out of negative thinking if they get the right encouragement – and if they have even the slightes will to get themselves out of the misery.

Good post, enjoyable as always.

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Craig Harper March 5, 2007 at 7:40 am

Hi Jesper.

Me… sarcastic?

Cheers.

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Craig March 5, 2007 at 7:57 am

Oh man!! This is a gem of a blog!! You have outdone yourself this time Craigo!! I luv it…luv it…luv it!!

I know of someone who must have been your case study!! Let me say though, this guy will do anything for you (well sometimes!). While he doesn’t have all the traits of the 17 points to self destruction, he excels in the area of points 2, 3, 8 (AAAAAA++++++ rating ), 9, 11 (AAAAAA++++++ rating ), 12, 14 & 16!!

I think I need to borrow your ‘Velvet Sledge Hammer’ to pound away at this tough nut, as I am sure there is a nice guy hidden somewhere in that tough exterior.

Skater Boy
Melbourne

Reply

Craig Harper March 5, 2007 at 10:57 am

Skater Boy…

You’re so hard-core… the nastier the better for you. I know the more offensive my writing is, the more you’ll dig it.

Cheers.

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Mel March 5, 2007 at 11:07 am

(LOL). Thank you Craig. I will see if I can tick all of these boxes today. The point is, all of us are guilty of a least some of these, so it is a good reminder list of what not to be.
Mel (Bruges)

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Anonymous March 5, 2007 at 11:34 am

Hi Craig
New to your site, after reading your articles in Women’s Health and Fitness magazine (one article a month just wasn’t enough). I always manage to learn something and have a laugh with each of your articles. I’m sarcastic too, and I was wondering if anyone has ever said to you “Sarcasm is the lowest form of humour”. I get it all the time.

And its wonderful to find someone else out there who doesn’t drink a drop.

Finn, from the NT (Australia)

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Craig Harper March 5, 2007 at 11:38 am

Hi Mel….

I guess most of us have been guilty of most of them at some stage… it’s about having the awareness, the honesty and the guts to change it.

Cheers.

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Craig Harper March 5, 2007 at 12:02 pm

Hi Finn.

Lots of un-funny people say that!

Cheers.

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Anonymous March 5, 2007 at 5:24 pm

“Tact is used by people who aren’t witty enough to be Sarcastic!”

Dont ever stop being your happy sarcastic little self … you are the best … and always make my day!!!

Mandy
Brisbane

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Craig Harper March 5, 2007 at 9:18 pm

Hi Mandy.

I love you too.

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Anonymous March 6, 2007 at 12:43 pm

BRAVO CRAIG!
I have fowarded on your tips & best of hints, to a few that need some help to sustain their lifestyle.
After being a nice friend the other day & high-lighting politely, what they knew they didn’t want to hear from me (half of your list), to this friend, I noticed the body language. I felt more effective talking with a mouthful of wet cement on another continent.
I am glad for your tact & clarity, “velvet sledge hammer” approach, that I can happily pass on.(I am sitting here with the biggest cheshire grin on my face, that I have had in the last few days).
Craig, your doing a great job in keeping it real! Keep it up!
Cheers Carmon

Reply

Craig Harper March 6, 2007 at 1:20 pm

Hey Carmon,

the velvet sledge hammer will keep hammering as long as people want it

Cheers and thanks for the support ( )

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Yummy Mummy March 6, 2007 at 1:45 pm

How many people do you think I could upset by forwarding a link to your post???? Love it!! I didn’t think there would be “17 Habits”…. Maybe because all of those Habits are what I refer to as “busted-arse”… (not nice.. i know…)
So.. hoping you can help me change a few attitudes and hope no hate-mail will follow!!! (Or me being blocked on some email accounts!)
Love the video post BTW…. (I want to see Jonnie…)

Reply

Craig Harper March 6, 2007 at 2:37 pm

Hi Yummy Mummy,

you don’t wanna see him… really.
Trust me.

Forward them the link… either way, you’ll get a response!

Thanks for the kind words.

Reply

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