Turn something that's negative into something positive

1. ‘Greed’ is Good
An insatiable appetite for material things governed my teen years. I delighted in
anything big, expensive, unique, lavish, and exclusive, on-point, out of reach to the
common. I had an acquisitive mind of my own. I really wanted it all. I could starve,
lie, sell, suppress, withhold, scheme for what I wanted, what a vice, I remember
betraying my buddy Frank way back in high school over leaked answers to our third
term exam questions and scored way ahead of him . Of course, I didn’t want him to
get ahead of me. Frank eventually found out I was privy to the slot for the answers.
..He was really mad at me. We lost contact after communicating in my first year in
the university. Greed continued to rear its head as I forged through life.
In high school, I assessed my life and saw I wasn’t doing badly materially. But it was
obvious I lacked quality relationships, that didn’t bother me so much. I befriend or
accept friendship only if I knew there was a benefit….not just any benefit but a kind
of benefit I wanted at that time. I didn’t duplicate friendships…If I had a friend that
could offer affluence in getting the girls; I made sure not to duplicate such. I was a
strategist; I always look to take advantage. I was a Goodfella and gave out if I
knew I was getting double in return.
This is the whole idea…Greed may look bad or a “vice” as societies would describe.
What if you develop greed in a good sense? It may seem awkward. Of a truth
everyone has some element of greed lurking around. Most have gained mastery
over greed and put it under control. However you can actually begin to see greed
from a new stand-point and make it work for you. When you see greed in the light
of a positive energy, drive and ambition, you begin to channel these energies for
good. Turn something that’s negative to something good. That’s the whole
essence.

2. How can I channel greed positively?
a) Decide on what you want: Everyone wants something out of life, even the
meekest of characters. The first step is to decide you will achieve your goals
and desires without trampling on others.
b) Get rid of thought or activities that promotes it: Occasionally, you will feel
lured to take advantage due to some unhealthy thoughts or past
experiences. Always resist the urge to do so. Occupy you mind with positive
activities. This will help.
c) Ask for support in areas of weakness: Seek help in areas of weakness. I
struggled with complex issues earlier, I switched to a defensive-revenge
mode not to allow opportunities slip away even if it cost me meaningful
alliances. I held on tenaciously to anything and everything. This made me
loose valuable friendships. I learnt a lesson being snubbed in high for being so
obnoxious.
d) Include people in your goals: The temptation to run alone will come up, form
smaller teams or group. Learn to work with people. This will encourage team
spirit and produce better results.
e) Benchmark for results: Earlier on, I acquired materially, I knew I had a void in
me. I knew I wasn’t fulfilled of some sort as I did poorly in relationships. As I
began to open my heart to those around me, I began to feel more at peace
with myself and my environment. I also didn’t lose vigour in my pursuit for
goals. I eventually became people focused, goal-oriented and lived freer.
By: Chinedu Ozulumba
Author Name: Eddu Oz
Blog: www.aspirebyforce.com