Ten rules to increase your power and happiness

To some people the notion of consciously planning power games, no matter how indirect, seems evil, asocial, a relic of the past. These people think they can opt out of the game by behaving in ways that have nothing to do with power. They are the so-called non-players.

Recognize these people. Non-players flaunt their moral qualities, their peity, their exquisite sense of justice. However, non-players are merely throwing dust in our eyes, distracting us from their power plays with their air of moral superiority. First rule of thumb: we all hunger power, non-players included.

Empower yourself

It does not matter what work do, activities you engage in or what gender you are. Power is essential. Without power we feel helpless and miserable. And when you are miserable you will not reach your full potential and you will not be able to give to others. Your misery is the result of power that others exercised upon you.

Learning the way of power requires a certain way of looking at the world. For most, it means shifting their perspective. Nevertheless, if you succeed in creating your power base it will be worth your efforts.

Certain basic skills are required. It might take years of practice, for much of the power game may not come naturally to you. The most important of these skills is to master your emotions. An emotional response, such as anger, is the single greatest barrier to power. Emotions cloud reason. Your vision will become blurred and you cannot prepare for and respond to a situation with any degree of control.

In his book “the 48 laws of power”, Robert Green set up a handbook with “laws” derived from men and women who have studied and mastered the game of power over a span period of more than a thousand years. Let us walk through the ten most important laws of power.

Never outshine the master

Always make those above you feel comfortably superior. Never inspire fear and insecurity. Make your masters appear more brilliant than they really are and you will attain the heights of power.

Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use your enemies

Friends will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy. Hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend, because he has more to prove. Fear your friends more than your enemies. If you lack enemies, make them.