Crutches Are Kryptonite

I think this is a statement we can all understand...for the most part. We all know that crutches slow us down if we don’t need them. They’re to be used only when it’s impossible or at least exceedingly difficult to move without them. If this isn’t the case, they actually do more harm than good. Read on…

First of all, when I use the term “crutch” I’m referring not just to those strange looking, elongated wooden or metal & plastic things we get from the doctor’s office. I’m referring to anything one might rely on to eliminate healthy, necessary, good old fashioned effort. For example, I’m talking about instances like guys who think they need to be “buzzed” or “high” to be “charming” as well as those other kind of crutches. These things all make us weaker when used improperly. Remember that.

You see, when we don’t use something, it atrophies…whether it’s our leg, our brain, or our “game”. Anything we stop using starts to dissipate in its immediate potential. Sure, we can build it back up if we choose, but we’ve lost some performance for the time being. Now, this principle serves us by making sure we focus our energy on those things we use most, but it can hurt those of us who have chosen not to do anything “on our own.” That’s not to say we shouldn’t try to find easier, faster, smarter, better ways to do things, we just shouldn’t do that at the expense of our own self improvement. Keep that in mind and you’ll do just great.

Now here’s an interesting point that it’s taken me all my life (thus far) to figure out: When we use people as crutches, it can be even more damaging than we could ever imagine if we’re not careful about those we choose to lean on. Allow me to explain. OK, I’m assuming you already understand the principle of atrophy which states that when we don’t use our own “muscle” (mental, physical, or spiritual), it grows weaker over time. Right there should be enough incentive to use as much of your own power as possible, all the time. However, if you need more reason, this is for you. Some people choose to be crutches for others because they actually like the idea of people needing them so much that they can’t function without them. These people, whether consciously or not, actually keep you weak, and what they are is manipulators. Because they desire to make you weaker, they're like Kryptonite to you...just like the other crutches can be, but a bit worse since it's deliberate. Anyone who’s encountered this type of person knows what I’m saying. The way to avoid them is to stand on your own whenever possible. Sure, we need to work together, but that’s because two heads are better than one. It shouldn’t be because one isn’t enough. Talk to you soon…

Donovan Bradley