Spying is not a Passion

I introduced the kids to the movie ‘SpaceJam’ today. Greetings Everyday Spy, Spying is not a passion, it’s an obsession. It’s not enough to be interested, fascinated, curious, or punch-drunk to succeed in covert intel operations. You have to be honed, deliberate, and critical - and that only comes with obsession. Obsession is a word that too often comes across as negative. People criticize obsession because they don’t understand its value. Our modern, ‘moderate’ world seems to believe that obsession cannot be helpful or productive. Nothing could be further from the truth. One of[the most influential books I’ve ever read was]( ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill. Before you judge me as some self-help or get-rich-quick sucker, keep in mind that Hill wrote his book in the years following the Great Depression and it has gone on to be considered a core text by business elites all over the world. In the introduction to his book, Hill openly states that there is no specific take-away message he wants for his readers. Instead, he challenges that by reading the book each reader will discover their own powerful truth about mind, money, and success. When I read ‘Think and Grow Rich,’ I was immediately transported back to a small CIA training room where an unassuming, forgettable middle-aged field officer taught me about obsession. He taught me that all human targets have an obsession - a single core motivation so powerful that it drives nearly every decision that person makes. But time and culture have made people ashamed to admit their obsessions. So the only way to find a target’s obsession is to cultivate them using a spy skill known as ‘social mechanics.’ When you understand a target’s obsession, you have the power to direct their actions. Even more amazing is that when they are blind to their own obsession, they are equally blind to your power over them. You have an obsession, and you are most likely ignoring it… stop doing that! Take a few moments to consider the deepest, most selfish thoughts you have - the thoughts you are embarrassed to share with others. In that space, you will find your obsession. It won’t be the first thing that comes to mind, but it will come to you as you keep asking yourself, “why do I want that?” Maybe it’s wealth, maybe it’s security, maybe it’s discovery, maybe it’s power. For me, it’s freedom. I am obsessed with freedom. And every decision I make takes me closer to the ultimate freedom I desire for myself and my family. Wealth, power, and security are lower-level goals - only because they bring freedom with them at the end of the day. When you know your obsession, you have the opportunity to focus your time, energy and resources even better to achieve it. Even more importantly, you are one step closer to protecting yourself and your loved ones from all those who want to use your obsession for their own gain. Godspeed, #EverydaySpy P.S. - [Use lies to find the truth and fear to build your confidence. You can]( any threat at home, work, and in the field with your Deep Cover Platform.]( Follow @EverydaySpy on Social Media! [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [LinkedIn]( [YouTube]( [Instagram]( Andrew Bustamante, Founder of EverydaySpy.com, is a former covert CIA Intelligence officer, decorated US Air Force Combat Veteran, and respected Fortune 500 senior advisor. Learn more from Andrew on his Podcast (The Everyday Espionage Podcast) and by following @EverydaySpy on your favorite social media platform. This email was sent to {EMAIL}. Don't want to receive these emails anymore? [Unsubscribe]( EverydaySpy, 411 Walnut St. #20309, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043