Instruction Manual

by Matthew Best


"Take this pill to cure your _______." "Read this book in order to _______." "Take this course so you can _______." "Eat this so you can feel or do _______." Directions, instructions, directives, regulations, rules, laws, etc. All day, every, day we hear innumerable directions from others either directly or indirectly telling
us what is good or bad for us. Those that tell us these things think they know what is best for us. And why shouldn't they? How many people out there are looking for direction or instruction - a sort of instruction manual for their life.

We aren't born with an instruction manual – at least not a written and edited version
anyway. The scary fact is that all this well - meaning instruction is nothing more than attempting to get one person to do what the other person wants them to do. Most people don't have a clue how to be themselves, let alone tell someone else how to= run their life. Here's the only instruction you need - You need to be the best you can be.

When we realize this, our first question is typically "how do I do that?" That's the wrong focus - that's looking for an answer that is "out there" as if there is some instruction manual or someone else actually knows the answer of how to be the best you. They don't and you won't find that external instruction manual.


"Being" is usually considered a passive word - just sitting around waiting for something to happen. My understanding of being is a bit different - it relates to the word obedience. The Latin origin of this term means "towards, to hear." Obedience has everything to do with listening.

When is the last time you really listened? Listen to yourself.Listen to what others are really saying - the meaning behind what they are saying. Listen to what is happening around you. There isn't a written instruction manual you can read on how to be you. However, I can tell you this - listen, it makes life easier. What can be said for you personally can also be said for your business, relationships, and so many other things.

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