Speech from August 4, 1999

As I reflect on people’s reactions to my starting The BS Club, I want to clarify the vision.

The BS Club is a business and social club. It is a retreat, a place where I willfully go to relax and enjoy sharing a good drink with those who have similar interests.

I’d like to spend a moment on the topic of interpretation.

I recently read a very interesting article, which stated

“people who used pessimistic explanatory styles where three times more likely to quit, regardless of talent, than those who use an optimistic explanatory style.”

I will save the long version of my philosophy on how the processing of information affects one’s stress level which in turn affects one’s quality of life which in turn influences one’s longevity.

I would, at a later time, discuss it with anyone interested.

Right now, I would like to share with you another part of that same article.

“Dr. Paul Stoltz is one of the nations most renowned researchers on adversity. Stoltz says people generally fall into three main categories – the quitter, the camper and the climber.

The quitter gives up trying to live a purposeful life.

According to Stoltz, “they refuse the opportunity and abandon the climb.”

In the second category, including 60-80 percent of people, are the campers. The campers only go so far and then “weary from the climb, terminate their ascent.” They set up camp somewhere along the road to success and may never see what else lies ahead on their journey.

The climber is the third category. Climbers are dedicated to a life long ascent, says Stoltz. These are resilient, tenacious, persistent people who don’t know the meaning of the word quit. Typically 5-10 percent of the people you work with are climbers.”

I consider all of you climbers and feel honored that you are here tonight to support and help nurture that vision.

The Agenda

8:30-9PM

Schmoozing

9:15

Opening remarks by the Grand Poobah MP
Discussions

–TheBSClub.com by RL

–Continuing Education (special events) by LG

–Future meeting places by BF

–Special Interests by MP
possible special appearance by Dr. T to discuss the secret
handshake

–Wrap up by MP

Mark Paley
August 4, 1999