if you can’t join ‘em, beat ‘em…

Everyone's heard the saying, "If you can't beat ‘em, join ‘em."  With a sincere and slightly passive-aggressive intent, I'd like to propose the opposite for a change: If you can't JOIN ‘em... BEAT ‘em!

Depending on the circumstances, it eventually becomes wise to stop banging your head against the wall trying to gain access into certain organizations, places, or positions.  The doors of opportunity are not always open to everyone, everywhere you go.  There comes a time when you have to go out and create your own dream job or opportunities.  They are out there, IF you are willing to go get them and do the work necessary to keep them.  It can be scary; but it's oh so necessary.

Joining ‘em sometimes turns out to be overrated and interesting only from the outside looking in.  It often seems attractive at first glance, to be apart of something that may not actually have much real significance, value, or validity. 

Beating ‘em doesn't necessarily have to contain a negative connotation.  It's merely being used as an expression suggesting going out and doing things for yourself on your own terms when and where appropriate.  Don't allow the will of others to stifle your own goals and aspirations.  Stay away from your life's dream-stealers. They're a cancer on the soul.

Being apart of the establishment or the "clique" is not always the best route for everyone, all of the time.  The writer of the New Testament book of Galatians suggests "Let every person carefully scrutinize and examine and test his own conduct and his own work.  He can then have the personal satisfaction and joy of doing something commendable with boastful comparison with his neighbor."  Basically, it's saying that it's OK to be proud of our own good work, regardless of what others may think.

So if you can't join ‘em, beat ‘em with your ingenuity, independence, and instinct.  Blaze your own trails and make your own rules. Make 'em sorry they didn't get you when the gettin' was good. If you gotta have experience to get experience, then write your own resume by defining your purpose and building your own platform.  Dare to dream and create your destiny!