Chapter 126
The Art of Social Climbing
One morning Colonel Berg, whom Pierre knew as he knew everybody in Moscow and Petersburg, came to see him. Berg arrived in an immaculate brand-new uniform, with his hair pomaded and brushed forward over his temples as the Emperor Alexander wore his hair. “I have just been to see the countess, your wife. Unfortunately she could not grant my request, but I hope, Count, I shall be more fortunate with you,” he said with a smile. “What is it you wish, Colonel? I am at your service.” “I have now quite settled in my new rooms, Count” (Berg said this…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Own Performance Patterns
Think of a situation where you felt like you had to prove you belonged - a new job, social group, neighborhood, or relationship. Write down three specific things you did to 'perform' your worthiness in that situation. Then identify what you were really afraid would happen if you didn't perform perfectly.
Consider:
- •Notice the difference between adapting appropriately and exhausting yourself with performance
- •Consider who you were really trying to convince - them or yourself
- •Think about what energy you could have saved for things that actually mattered to you
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you stopped performing and just showed up as yourself. What happened? What did you learn about who actually accepts the real you?
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