'Don't be afraid to be a Fool' - Stephen Colbert

This week I wanted to share a passage I found about the damaging impact of cynics and cynicism. 

Whilst I do not agree with every word, I have left the passage as it is written as it is definitely a good thought prompter.

A few points to note:

• I do believe you can be young and wise.
• I have met many people with 'one years experience repeated 20+ years.' These people struggle to adapt to change. They are older but by no means wiser!
• The internet enables you to fast-track your learning, skills development, business ideas and networks in new way that avoid reliance on your immediate environment (family, friends, boss, employer).
• You can create and promote your own business or side hustle in so many ways without relying upon big budgets and years of experience.
• Fail and fail fast to accelerate learning and 'become wise.'

'Don't be afraid to be a fool. Remember you cannot be both young and wise. Young people who pretend to be wise to the ways of the world are mostly just cynics. Cynicism masquerades as wisdom, but it is the farthest thing from it. Because cynics don't learn anything. Because cynicism is a self-imposed blindness, a rejection of the world because we are afraid it will hurt us or disappoint us. Cynics always say no. But saying yes begins things. Saying yes is how things grow. Saying yes leads to knowledge. 'Yes' is for young people. So for as long as you have the strength to, say yes.' 

 There is so much within this I do agree with:

• Say yes as often as possible!
• Yes is for all people, regardless of age. 
• Avoid cynics and cynicism.
• Winners attract winners, cynics love other cynics.
• Make a choice who you listen to, who you seek out and who you spend time with.
• Build a winning circle of people who support you, encourage you, challenge you, mentor you and help you strive to reach your potential. People who understand the power of 'yes.'
• Say yes to the art of the possible.
• Imagine what's the best that can happen by saying yes as opposed to the worst that can happen by saying no.
• Be in the arena and be looking to improve things, starting with you and all you do.