I am not a Rhinoceros ... or a Cow

I think I'm an elephant.

This is what I've learned from re-reading "Rhinoceros Success" by Scott Alexander. The first time I read it was in college (it was required for one of my design classes). The first time I read it I so wanted to be a rhino but alas I have come to terms that I am not.

Let me explain how I've come to this conclusion. A rhino has 2 in thick skin and charges after what it wants with single mindedness - I do not. Plus I really don't have the audacity or self confidence to pull off being a rhino. I am also not a cow - cows (according to the author) are lazy, do nothing-ers, just wasting away life in the field watching the world go by. That is not me. So I think I'm an elephant - simply because I think it's fun to say and they are friends with the rhino. I make a very good friend to rhinos.

Despite not being a Rhinoceros there are important lessons to be learned from this book - no matter your breed:
* don't ignore the negative in life, but don't saturate yourself with it
* we become the product of three things: who we associate with, the books we read, and what we listen to
* dreams don't always come true, but plans acted on are sure to materialize. Plan your dreams and then work your plan
* be flexible - if your plan isn't working, modify it
* the more energy you put into something the more you are going to get out of it
* at least twice a year take off for one week and do nothing but relax
* Happiness is feeling good about yourself. Treat yourself special
* "Minutes are precious. They are the building blocks of hours, which are the stuff days are made of. Days quickly turn into months. Months become years and years make a lifetime. But it all starts with the minutes. Waste enough minutes and you could waste a lifetime."
* Always pay your tithing: 10% is the Lord's retainer fee for being your partner - and you need Him as your partner.