Habit 10:  Quit when the going gets tough.

It’s crucial for the determined dufus to lose any proclivity towards persistence in a positive direction.  Doggedness, resolve, chutzpah, grit—whatever you want to call that “git-R-done” spirit—is what separates those who grasp their Holy Grail from those who just hold their groin. 

Since this column is running a tad long, let me give you several pithy proverbs to tattoo onto your forearm to guide you away from achievement and success while you complain about how rough you’ve got it.  The following are guaranteed to bring any positive momentum in your life to a grinding halt.  Believe me, people who have trusted and obeyed the following have relationally, professionally and culturally rusted and decayed in regards to effectiveness.  Here we go with 20 amazing maxims to quit by.  Memorize these principles.  Meditate upon them.  By so doing, you will watch the undoing of any goals and dreams you may have had.

1. Allow people who mock you to influence what you should do in life.
2. Distress should weaken you not strengthen you. 
3. Little minds shrink when opposed. 
4. When you get knocked down, stay down.
5. Don’t allow your conscience the right to approve of your conduct; that could cause you to turn and go in a noble direction when what you should really do is to quit.
6. If you have an objective (which you shouldn’t) only go for it one time.  If it doesn’t pan out, abandon it PDQ!
7. Trouble is a sign that you should stop.
8. Let people’s criticisms and fears overwhelm you.
9. Do not let courage coach your ambitions.
10. Beware of persistence because it is the habit of the victorious.
11. Accept mediocrity instead of demanding excellence.
12. Do not concentrate all your energies of body, mind and soul in one direction; that would make you invincible.
13. When your will is crossed and your desires are disappointed, let that erode your faith, drown you in doubt and sideline you forever.
14. If you are going to attempt something, only do so half-heartedly.
15. Avoid starting anything new.  If you must start something, for God’s sake, do not stick with it, because that is a requirement for success.
16. Don’t be ballsy, unfailing, lively, daring or over-the-top.
17. Courage will make you overcome danger, misfortune, fear and injustice, so forget that crap!
18. Do not stay on task.  That would cause you’ll get dusty, sweaty and bloody, and that is a prerequisite for true success. 
19. Always be cautious and careful.  That’ll keep you from ever trying anything requiring perseverance.
20. Finally, Never mind that Winston Churchill said that if you’re going through hell, keep going.  What BS!  What does he know?  He’s never been on MTV! 

Logon to www.ClashRadio.com and pick up a copy of Giles' latest DVD, Packed, Stacked and Ready to Whack: A No-Holds Barred Interview with Ted Nugent, filmed before a live audience in Miami, Florida—they make great stocking stuffers. Also, while there, check out Doug's new interview with Jason Materra, spokesman for Young America's Foundation.