The Outside Edge with Robert Kelsey

What this episode covers

Think back to your high school days. Remember the cool kids? Wonder what they are doing now? Well, cool can be a curse and often prevents people from taking a leap due to a fear of failure. However, the uncool people get on with their lives and inherit the Earth! Uncool people are often branded outsiders. They may feel like outsiders in their own peer group. They feel like they don’t belong – at work or with family and friends. This can be debilitating. Many outsiders fail due to various traits, including a lack of confidence, poor self-esteem, and distorted empathy (having empathy for the wrong people). Those who are told they are outsiders often deviate from a natural seed of talent and put up a wall to be what they think people want them to be. That reduces their chance for achievement. Basically, it is a defense mechanism. Also, they sometimes develop a “rock star” attitude that is disabling. Then, people just walk away from them. You need to be aware of these negative traits in order to retain that outside edge that helps you to succeed instead of fail. Many successful people are considered outsiders, but what traits give them the edge that helps them succeed when so many outsiders fail? Being creative, original thinkers, and having an entrepreneurial spirit. You can use those outsider traits to your advantage to be successful. Embrace being an outsider in a positive way. Find meaning in your life, focus on your goals, and keep moving forward. About Robert: Robert Kelsey is known for actionable advice and helping people in their day-to-day lives. His new book, The Outside Edge, helps those who feel like they are outsiders find their edge and explains how they can succeed in a world made by insiders. Challenged Issue: In this podcast, we challenge the issue of taking the outsider within you and making it successful. Robert’s Actionable Tips: * Find meaning * Develop growth mindset * Progress toward goals  Top Quotes: * “There is always going to be occasions where everybody feels like an outsider.” * “To be successful in life, you need to be an outsider. You need to think outside of the box. You need to think differently … Well, that’s all very true.” * “99.9 percent of outsiders all fail because they are outsiders. So how do you turn yourself into the.1 percent?” * “Wisdom does probably give you some confidence.” * “You’re slamming the door in people’s faces with your (rock star) attitude.” * “You’re almost rejecting society before, in your head, society rejects you.” * “What you are doing is you’re shutting the world out.” * “It’s a curse being cool.” * “I think it can completely disable your chance for achievement.” * “The older you get, the more pathetic it (being cool) looks.” * “You understand what drives bad behavior.” * “There’s an entrepreneurial revolution going on and that absolutely suits the outsider.” * “You can find meaning for your life.” * “There is something out there that will give your life meaning.” * “If you give your suffering meaning, it ceases to be suffering.” * “Half the time I feel frustrated about things. But I am frustrated about meaningful things.” Guest Links: * Robert Kelsey (http://www.robert-kelsey.co.uk/) * The Outside Edge (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Outside-Edge-Outsiders-Succeed-Insiders/dp/0857085751) Resources: * A guide to Overcoming Decision Making Paralysis (https://www.excellence-expected.