Skyaak Canadian Ring-Wing Glider

A few months ago I received this book in the mail from a friend.

I devoured the slim but delicious morsel in three evenings.

‘Tribes’ by Seth Godin is one book you will never forget, if you are the type of person who secretly nurtures the belief that you have leadership qualities.

In ‘Tribes’, Godin goes into very persuasive arguments to convince the reader that there are readily available tools at our fingertips that we can fire up to test his thesis at any given moment.

The coolest thing about this book is that Godin has his finger pressed right on to the pulse of what is happening in today’s high-tech communication-driven world. Most notably, he details the advantages of tools like blogging, Twitter and the internet in general.

He disses the notion that bloggers blogging on their blogs are nothing more than self-absorbed navel-gazers. In clear, precise language Godin reveals the reason why millions (billions?) of people are feeling more tuned in, connected and personally empowered by the vast potential of this brave new IT world.

The title (Tribes) and the sub-title (We Need You to Lead Us) is in itself a revelation.

There is a certain humility and welcoming attitude there that appeals.

I guess it boils down to this: Would you rather be a leader or a follower? Or both? All three options are viable, one is no better than the other, but you have to make a choice. Or else you might get stuck living kind of a dull life.

It’s all about making that choice to excel at what you do so you feel some fire in your gut, some true-grit enthusiasm that fuels your efforts. In whatever you do.

Can you honestly say that you tried your best and took steps toward your goal(s) today?

In my own experience I have found that the world generally supports and encourages enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm is a potent vaccination against discouragement.

Sure, there WILL be setbacks and screw-ups. That is a given.

Keep your held held high, keep that sparkle in your eye and a spring in your step. Your positive attitude is about the only thing that will ride you over the speed-bumps you encounter.

Because that’s all they are.

Temporary blips on your path to success.