I call myself a contrarian. Like you, when the crowd goes one way, I usually go the other way.

[Ryan,

Thanks for the comment. I'm contrarian too. The masses are good at achieving mediocrity so why would anyone who wants to be better than average follow their example? Non-conformists are probably more willing to get out of their comfort zone than the masses which is another trait of successful people.

Robert]

[Wolf,

You don't have to be an addict to be successful. I do think you need a strong enough desire (perhaps bordering on obsessive/compulsive but maybe not) to persevere and overcome all the obstacles. Most people simply don't have it. Most people seem to be content with mediocrity and there's nothing wrong with that but the reality is most of them probably would like to be more successful but don't have the guts to get out of their comfort zones and overcome all the obstacles. Sad but true.

You certainly don't need to be an addict to be successful. All I'm saying is that I believe addicts are much closer than conformists and have already demonstrated many of the qualities of successful people. If they can just change their goal to something worthwhile that might be all they need to be successful.

Robert]

I’d say I have the whole obsessive/compulsive thing too.

In high school it was lifting. I lifted all the time and ended up breaking a few records for our school (which I still hold by the way :)). After high school I wanted to start running so instead of just running I figured I’d run a marathon. And now it’s an internet business.

[Aaron,

Thanks for leaving a comment. Sounds you do have an obsessive/compulsive behavior pattern. Would you say it's a disorder? You have a strong desire to be better than average, to push yourself to the limit to see how good you can be. Is there anything wrong with that. I don't think so.

Robert]

I have the O/C thing myself, some projects that I would begin would bother people around me because I was not just up to date, but ready, with a plan B and have the plan be drawn up for other parts of the poject. I annoyed people, but I never delivered late.

the thing that I see now is that I will be doing some aspect of internet marketing and I will learn all I need to about it and do it to the point that my partner wonders if I will sleep.

Maybe it’s a good idea that I stay off the booze, I would not want to get a fine for walking while intoxicated.

Enjoy Dublin, I used to live in Foxrock which is just outside the main city.

[Richard,

Thanks for your comment. The truth is not always flattering but it's the truth and I don't shy away from it...especially when it could possibly help others.

Robert]