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Who You Gonna Blame It On?

Posted By: Randy GageJuly 21, 2010

I was sitting in a Chinese restaurant with Tommy and Lauren when the subject of investments came up.  “It was all a conspiracy, you know,” Tommy exclaimed.  “I saw a show about it on television.”

“What was the conspiracy?”  I wanted to know.

“The whole dot-com meltdown,” he replied.  And then he went on to detail a massive conspiracy between the worldwide stock exchanges, the international investment bankers, brokerage houses, and the financial media.  He went on to relate that he lost one million dollars from his portfolio during that time.

Ah, now it made sense...

You might not believe an intelligent, rational person could believe that the hundreds of thousands of employees in all those businesses – most who are competitors of each other – would all agree to collusion.  And much more incredulous – could all keep it a secret.

But when he said that he’d lost a million dollars, it all made sense.  Because look what the alternative was…

If there were no conspiracy, Tommy would have to accept responsibility for the fact that he had made enough poor errors in judgment to lose a million dollars.  And that simply wasn’t possible for him to acknowledge.

Like a lot of people, he suffers from the delusion that he is an innocent victim of outside circumstances when things go wrong.  As “evidence” of this conspiracy, he said, “Well all these analysts all told us the price to earnings ratios (P/E) didn’t matter.”

“Wait a minute,” I asked.  “Did you honestly believe that a company that acquires customers, but loses money on each one is a good investment?”

“But they told us that didn’t matter!”

“Who’s ‘they’?”

“The experts on TV, the investment newsletter editors.”

“They told you that making a profit wasn’t necessary?  Do you understand that anyone can make a million dollars if they spend two million to get it?  Have you ever heard of discernment?”

“But everyone said the P/E ratios didn’t matter!”

“Everyone?  You’re telling me none of the investment services and newsletters warned you against putting all your money in cash-sucking black holes?”

“Well one did.  But the other three all disagreed!”

“So the one wasn’t in the conspiracy?  And all those other people were?”

“Yeah.”

There’s more, but you get the picture.  We had to endure another twenty minutes of sinister conspiracy theories, till we were mercifully saved by the arrival of the Kung Pao chicken.

Why is it when good things happen people attribute them to skill, talent and intelligence?  But when bad things happen they blame them on fate, circumstances, or bad luck?

We’re in a bad economy right now.  Which offers tremendous opportunities.  Or great excuses to validate failure.

So how are you doing on this?  Do you believe you’re responsible for your current state of prosperity?  Or do you blame it on outside factors?

-RG

P.S. I’m back in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  Love being here and looking forward to seeing many of you.

29 comments on “Who You Gonna Blame It On?”

  1. I know that I'm the only one responsible for my current level of prosperity. I made the decisions that got me here. No one else forced me to do anything, or, not do anything.

    I have learned from my mistakes and am making better choices.... not blaming anyone else along the way.

  2. Hi Randy,

    I don't believe someone can take all the credit when things turn out great if they won't also take credit when things don't turn out well too. I struggle with this too on occasion, but we all play a part in the results.

  3. Randy,

    I am a Realtor and I can tell people that when they offer on a short sale what the process is and they just won't listen. You can go 9 months and never have a closing. Who do they blame? You got it. And I am not representing the seller or their bank. But that is show buisness.

    So when I get blamed I silently lose my cool and scream an obscenity. Then I have to ask myself the question, "Why am I dealing with these loosers?"
    What am I doing to attract these people into my life?

    Because blame does not have to be a two way street. I am ultimately responsible for what happens in my life whether I want to admit it or not.

    When we stop blaming we can open the door to prosperity.

    Thanks,
    Jim

  4. I am always simply AMAZED at people who say things like "the global corporations control the world" or the Trilateral Commission does, or Skull & Bones, or whomever. NO ONE controls the world because the world obviously isn't in control

  5. If I'm understanding this correctly, the issue is about our belief systems that either serve us, or cause the problems we experience.

    It's easy to point fingers at others. It's much harder to point at ourselves.

    Ultimately, our beliefs, thoughts and vision are how we manifest what exists in our Life, so the choice is ours. If I were the guy you mention in this post, I would be so grateful for the million dollars I made and lost rather than take issue with 'other people' that caused the loss. Gratitude goes a long way!

  6. Hi Randy -

    I think a lot of us have taken bad advice in the past... but it's always been OUR choice. I believe that each of us are responsible for the choices we make (good or bad)... when we're a victim, we have no power or control to change anything; however, when we we take responsibility for our lives, we give ourselves the power to learn, change and grow...

  7. When he is standing there with his maker, I wonder if he will be looking over his shoulder for someone to point a finger at.

    If you are sitting there eating with them, Randy, I'm sure they are good people.

    But you know that this is not an uncommon event even with relatively successful people which he sounds like he is, unless that million represented all his wealth.

    An interesting current event for me is that I have been working on my fitness level. This has recently become important to me because of some medical issues that my parents been going through.

    The interesting thing is... as my stomach has been shrinking, my income has gone up from all my income sources.

    It seems that when you focus on something as important as your health, everything else seems to come into shape as well even in this bad economy.

    Keep up the great work, Randy!

    Here's to Your LifetoSuccess,

    John Clark

  8. I am the sole architect of my life. My present situation is a direct result of the choices I made and the choices I did not, coupled by the actions I did and did not take. The future is a result of the past and what I say and do today and it is yet to be. I am to blame for all my bad and good results and I am happy to say the good is getting better and the bad and undesireable is getting to be less distracting. Life is what I choose to make of it, consciously or subconsciously!
    Have a brilliant one!!

  9. That's right. Taking responsibility is the key.
    homebusinesspress.com Then, coming up with a key plan and exact goals for that plan. Who you gonna blame?

  10. I have learned the hard way that until you take ownership for the rough things that happen in life they continue to happen. As you know Randy when you own something, you have it....can't blame it on anything outside of yourself when it's in your possession.

    When you can accept this fact it's like splashing yourself with cold water in the face: a big time wake up call.

    Either you continue to suffer the victim role or take ownership of EVERYthing that happens in your life, good, bad and in between. Taking responsibility is taking the first step toward being free.

    Ryan Biddulph

  11. LOL....great stuff.

    Hey Randy, do you tell all these poor friends of yours what you're getting ready to write about them in front of thousands of people before you do it?

    Ever had one just fall out over it?

    haha...

    Thanks for the great thought provokers.

    Jason

    1. LOL, yes I've had a few people that didn't like starring in one of my books or blogs. When it's something negative I usually change the name, but the guilty party usually knows it's them. And sometimes I'll have four or five other people that think it's them!

      --RG

      1. Haha!!!! No names mentioned of course!!!! I wouldn't mind if you had code names for us - then we'd know and not have to say "is this me again?" Can I pick my name? Something audacious!!! 🙂

        I've done this a couple of times about people when I write - and they are the ones who let the world know it's about them. Not me!!!

        xox

  12. Great post Randy.. Buffett was called a fool and past it because he kept rightly asking, "where's the profit in these dot com's???" These conspiracy guys get tiring.. trying talking logically to those 9/11 conspiracy guys... scary thing is they're intelligent people except when it comes to that one... or how about those Bible thumpers who think the world is only 6,000 years old? As a cool song says, look in the mirror it will tell you the truth, don't waste your life away, thinking about yesterday's blues.

  13. There are always some circumstances beyond our control. The friend at the chinese restaurant may put too much faith in what advice others give regarding investments and should develop a philosophy on investing that would be profitable to himself. P/E ratios always matter as a rational person would be concerned. So does the amount of debt a company has etc. If someone has a tendency to blame others than themselves they may be less likely to be successful in life. If someone has a mindset to take full accountability they are more likely to behave in a more responsible manner and may watch out for their own interests much better than otherwise.

  14. thanks Randy, BLAME is the easiest escape route known to mankind, you don't even have to think. It's a knee-jerk reaction. We've all done it, I still catch myself. Staying conscious and aware, helps to elevate us beyond blame towards self-responsibility.

  15. Our words are powerful. 'Blame' and 'responsibility' are loaded. When it comes to my actions, or others', I try to acknowledge that we're all on a learning curve here on this planet. Most of us cannot see the future. So why do we expect that we will get everything 'right' the first time?

  16. There are three major approaches when viewing responsibility. The one you use will determine what you see. There are languages that have no word for ‘responsibility’ and for them it frequently translates into duty, obligation, burden, blame… none of which are responsibility.

    Jean-Paul Sartre wrote “Absolute responsibility is not resignation; it is the logical requirement of the consequences of our freedom. What happens to me happens through me, and I can neither affect myself with it nor revolt against it nor resign myself to it. Moreover everything which happens to me is mine.”

    I say to the degree you are willing to be responsible for ‘all of it’ to that degree you are free. Don’t confuse ‘truth’ with responsibility either.

    I just returned from my first trip into North America in three years. The seven days was 3 days of travel one day in place, one day of travel, one day in place and one day of travel. One of the intentions of the trip was to discover what works for me while traveling and where I need to improve. My commitment to my diet was mostly a failure, to an exercise routine not much better and much of my daily routine a complete disaster and I did maintain a place I was able to be unflappable.

    I had a great time and it took two nights and one day to restore myself at home. Yesterday I was as fatigued as I a have been in a long time. Today I know I can do this more often. Tomorrow I will have returned to my complete normal routine. I lost a week in some areas and missed 10 days of study in one while discovering opportunities for making a difference are in every moment. The TSA has really improved in the last three years.

    I am even more in awe, Randy, of your willingness to ‘trip’ weeks per month, month after month, year in and year out.

  17. Why is it when good things happen people attribute them to skill, talent and intelligence? But when bad things happen they blame them on fate, circumstances, or bad luck?

  18. Ah who do we blame for the genocide of the native american genocide, who do we blame for slavery, who do we blame, who do we blame for racism, sexism, who do we blame for so called white privilege, who do we blame?

  19. I am a huge believer in personal responsibility. "Atlas Shrugged" is my favorite all time book. If something is going wrong in my life I do my best to take ownership.

    However, I also am a believer in many of the conspiracies everyone is poking fun at. What makes something a conspiracy? Is it because it defies the beliefs of the majority? If the conspiracy were broadcast over mass media in an objective fashion backed by documented facts then it probably not be a conspiracy and therefore accepted as reality.

    I for one am proud of believing things that are different "with supporting evidence" because the majority is often wrong.

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  • 29 comments on “Who You Gonna Blame It On?”

    1. I know that I'm the only one responsible for my current level of prosperity. I made the decisions that got me here. No one else forced me to do anything, or, not do anything.

      I have learned from my mistakes and am making better choices.... not blaming anyone else along the way.

    2. Hi Randy,

      I don't believe someone can take all the credit when things turn out great if they won't also take credit when things don't turn out well too. I struggle with this too on occasion, but we all play a part in the results.

    3. Randy,

      I am a Realtor and I can tell people that when they offer on a short sale what the process is and they just won't listen. You can go 9 months and never have a closing. Who do they blame? You got it. And I am not representing the seller or their bank. But that is show buisness.

      So when I get blamed I silently lose my cool and scream an obscenity. Then I have to ask myself the question, "Why am I dealing with these loosers?"
      What am I doing to attract these people into my life?

      Because blame does not have to be a two way street. I am ultimately responsible for what happens in my life whether I want to admit it or not.

      When we stop blaming we can open the door to prosperity.

      Thanks,
      Jim

    4. I am always simply AMAZED at people who say things like "the global corporations control the world" or the Trilateral Commission does, or Skull & Bones, or whomever. NO ONE controls the world because the world obviously isn't in control

    5. If I'm understanding this correctly, the issue is about our belief systems that either serve us, or cause the problems we experience.

      It's easy to point fingers at others. It's much harder to point at ourselves.

      Ultimately, our beliefs, thoughts and vision are how we manifest what exists in our Life, so the choice is ours. If I were the guy you mention in this post, I would be so grateful for the million dollars I made and lost rather than take issue with 'other people' that caused the loss. Gratitude goes a long way!

    6. Hi Randy -

      I think a lot of us have taken bad advice in the past... but it's always been OUR choice. I believe that each of us are responsible for the choices we make (good or bad)... when we're a victim, we have no power or control to change anything; however, when we we take responsibility for our lives, we give ourselves the power to learn, change and grow...

    7. When he is standing there with his maker, I wonder if he will be looking over his shoulder for someone to point a finger at.

      If you are sitting there eating with them, Randy, I'm sure they are good people.

      But you know that this is not an uncommon event even with relatively successful people which he sounds like he is, unless that million represented all his wealth.

      An interesting current event for me is that I have been working on my fitness level. This has recently become important to me because of some medical issues that my parents been going through.

      The interesting thing is... as my stomach has been shrinking, my income has gone up from all my income sources.

      It seems that when you focus on something as important as your health, everything else seems to come into shape as well even in this bad economy.

      Keep up the great work, Randy!

      Here's to Your LifetoSuccess,

      John Clark

    8. I am the sole architect of my life. My present situation is a direct result of the choices I made and the choices I did not, coupled by the actions I did and did not take. The future is a result of the past and what I say and do today and it is yet to be. I am to blame for all my bad and good results and I am happy to say the good is getting better and the bad and undesireable is getting to be less distracting. Life is what I choose to make of it, consciously or subconsciously!
      Have a brilliant one!!

    9. That's right. Taking responsibility is the key.
      homebusinesspress.com Then, coming up with a key plan and exact goals for that plan. Who you gonna blame?

    10. I have learned the hard way that until you take ownership for the rough things that happen in life they continue to happen. As you know Randy when you own something, you have it....can't blame it on anything outside of yourself when it's in your possession.

      When you can accept this fact it's like splashing yourself with cold water in the face: a big time wake up call.

      Either you continue to suffer the victim role or take ownership of EVERYthing that happens in your life, good, bad and in between. Taking responsibility is taking the first step toward being free.

      Ryan Biddulph

    11. LOL....great stuff.

      Hey Randy, do you tell all these poor friends of yours what you're getting ready to write about them in front of thousands of people before you do it?

      Ever had one just fall out over it?

      haha...

      Thanks for the great thought provokers.

      Jason

      1. LOL, yes I've had a few people that didn't like starring in one of my books or blogs. When it's something negative I usually change the name, but the guilty party usually knows it's them. And sometimes I'll have four or five other people that think it's them!

        --RG

        1. Haha!!!! No names mentioned of course!!!! I wouldn't mind if you had code names for us - then we'd know and not have to say "is this me again?" Can I pick my name? Something audacious!!! 🙂

          I've done this a couple of times about people when I write - and they are the ones who let the world know it's about them. Not me!!!

          xox

    12. Great post Randy.. Buffett was called a fool and past it because he kept rightly asking, "where's the profit in these dot com's???" These conspiracy guys get tiring.. trying talking logically to those 9/11 conspiracy guys... scary thing is they're intelligent people except when it comes to that one... or how about those Bible thumpers who think the world is only 6,000 years old? As a cool song says, look in the mirror it will tell you the truth, don't waste your life away, thinking about yesterday's blues.

    13. There are always some circumstances beyond our control. The friend at the chinese restaurant may put too much faith in what advice others give regarding investments and should develop a philosophy on investing that would be profitable to himself. P/E ratios always matter as a rational person would be concerned. So does the amount of debt a company has etc. If someone has a tendency to blame others than themselves they may be less likely to be successful in life. If someone has a mindset to take full accountability they are more likely to behave in a more responsible manner and may watch out for their own interests much better than otherwise.

    14. thanks Randy, BLAME is the easiest escape route known to mankind, you don't even have to think. It's a knee-jerk reaction. We've all done it, I still catch myself. Staying conscious and aware, helps to elevate us beyond blame towards self-responsibility.

    15. Our words are powerful. 'Blame' and 'responsibility' are loaded. When it comes to my actions, or others', I try to acknowledge that we're all on a learning curve here on this planet. Most of us cannot see the future. So why do we expect that we will get everything 'right' the first time?

    16. There are three major approaches when viewing responsibility. The one you use will determine what you see. There are languages that have no word for ‘responsibility’ and for them it frequently translates into duty, obligation, burden, blame… none of which are responsibility.

      Jean-Paul Sartre wrote “Absolute responsibility is not resignation; it is the logical requirement of the consequences of our freedom. What happens to me happens through me, and I can neither affect myself with it nor revolt against it nor resign myself to it. Moreover everything which happens to me is mine.”

      I say to the degree you are willing to be responsible for ‘all of it’ to that degree you are free. Don’t confuse ‘truth’ with responsibility either.

      I just returned from my first trip into North America in three years. The seven days was 3 days of travel one day in place, one day of travel, one day in place and one day of travel. One of the intentions of the trip was to discover what works for me while traveling and where I need to improve. My commitment to my diet was mostly a failure, to an exercise routine not much better and much of my daily routine a complete disaster and I did maintain a place I was able to be unflappable.

      I had a great time and it took two nights and one day to restore myself at home. Yesterday I was as fatigued as I a have been in a long time. Today I know I can do this more often. Tomorrow I will have returned to my complete normal routine. I lost a week in some areas and missed 10 days of study in one while discovering opportunities for making a difference are in every moment. The TSA has really improved in the last three years.

      I am even more in awe, Randy, of your willingness to ‘trip’ weeks per month, month after month, year in and year out.

    17. Why is it when good things happen people attribute them to skill, talent and intelligence? But when bad things happen they blame them on fate, circumstances, or bad luck?

    18. Ah who do we blame for the genocide of the native american genocide, who do we blame for slavery, who do we blame, who do we blame for racism, sexism, who do we blame for so called white privilege, who do we blame?

    19. I am a huge believer in personal responsibility. "Atlas Shrugged" is my favorite all time book. If something is going wrong in my life I do my best to take ownership.

      However, I also am a believer in many of the conspiracies everyone is poking fun at. What makes something a conspiracy? Is it because it defies the beliefs of the majority? If the conspiracy were broadcast over mass media in an objective fashion backed by documented facts then it probably not be a conspiracy and therefore accepted as reality.

      I for one am proud of believing things that are different "with supporting evidence" because the majority is often wrong.

    Leave a Reply to Michael Eisbrener Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


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