Our pursuits here at More than a living are often twofold. Two sides of the same coin.

On one hand, we’re in the business of helping you focus. Helping you find perspective. And helping you get the most out of you. Helping you find meaning.

On the other, we’re trying to help you identify the primary barriers keeping you from finding that perspective. Who’s going to hold you back? Who’s going to impede you? Who’s going to try to take the wind out of your sails?

Today’s advice? Know thy enemy. From 100 Ways to Kill a Concept: Why Most Ideas Get Shot Down:

What people really mean to say , but would never openly admit is… they are innately AFRAID. Afraid of anything that is new, improved, unique, diferent and/or better (anything that acts like a catalyst for change) and/or things they are not familiar with and/or anything that annoys, threatens, or harms their ego , status, power, or livelihood.

Because of their fear, it is so much easier for most people to say ‘NO’, rather than ‘yes’ to your concept. It is understandable that they want to fix it, or change it, or add to it, or subtract from it, or water it down, or make it less simple-direct-and-to-the-point, or put their own imprint on it, or try to make it more conventional, or more familiar, or more safe, or just keep the status quo. People are afraid of evolution, replacements, substitutes, anything that interferes with their past loyalties or modus operandi, or encroaches on their self, special or vested interest, or forces them to give up the bird in their hand for the (different) bird in the bush.

(Hat tip to Make the logo bigger)