Bootstrapping and the art of foot massage

Filed in archive Philosophy on August 7, 2006

Blogger and personal development guru Steve Pavlina makes some hilarious observations about bootstrapping and the importance of getting your significant other on the same page.

In "My Wife Won't Let Me Start My Own Business", Pavlina suggests that when that special someone puts their foot down it's probably time for you to grab it. Steve writes:

Perhaps the reality of the situation is that your wife thinks you're incompetent, and if you were to start your own business, your family may go broke and lose all the nice stuff you've acquired.

She's probably right.

However, referring to a favorite movie he also observes:

Remember the scene in The Matrix when Neo tries to do his first superjump and smacks face-first into the ground. What does it mean? "Nothing," came the reply. "Everyone falls the first time."

(Steve, would it be possible for you to come over to my house around 7:30 for dinner)

But I digress.

The key, Pavlina insists, is to bootstrap-and show a little love below the ankle.

Brings to mind a quote from one of my favorite movies. Sam Jackson from Pulp Fiction: "Look maybe your method of massage differs from mine..."

Anyway, after Steve himself tried his hand at two other businesses, he says he spent just $9 for a domain name, plus plenty of hard work, to start his current business. (if that's what you wanna call this whole blogging thing we do.)

Still Steve counsels:

If you're seriously whipped...Master the art of the foot massage, and your wife will never stand in your way again.

Though bootstrapping can help win over a nervous spouse (and her mother) when you're talking about taking a chance on a new venture, I think Steve has a point:

After 5-10 minutes, you can ask for anything you want with a 95% chance of agreement. And if you get that rare 5% rejection, just gradually work your way up through the rest of her body, and try again once you've squeezed all the resistance out of her. Endorphins are your friends.

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time to grab some calve and show no mercy!