Seven Rules to Stop a Bully
Many people ask me about being bullied. My father was my first bully, but my time in prison taught me how to truly stand up for myself. These rules apply regardless of your environment. Bullies operate according to the same principles whether you are in school, at work, or in prison.
1. The Power of the Eyes
Everything begins with your eyes. Avoid staring, but also avoid quickly looking away. Power lies in balance. Your eyes are more than just the windows to your soul; they are a weapon and an indicator of your strength.
2. Body Language and Respect
Your body language dictates whether you will be respected. Stand tall with your eyes straight ahead and your chest forward. Imagine an invisible thread pulling you upwards from the crown of your head, causing your chin to lower slightly. Arrogant people with their chins up are the easiest targets.
3. Mastering Mindset
After mastering body language, focus on your mindset. Begin with the understanding that "I'm okay, you're okay," adopting a cooperative approach. Set clear boundaries. Bullies test limits. If someone crosses your boundaries, strike back swiftly as a warning and then offer cooperation. This game theory approach is effective in all aspects of life.
4. The Power of Calm
Never react emotionally. Bullies feed on provoking anger or fear. Remain calm, use logic and humor, and deny them the emotional reaction they seek. Your calm demeanor serves as both a shield and a sword.
5. Forming Alliances
Start by paying it forward. A favor creates a connection, and a connection can evolve into an alliance, or even a friendship. Bullies struggle when you are well-liked and helpful.
6. Keep Your Skills Sharp
Continuously improve your skills, whatever is needed in your environment. Practice verbal wit, strategic thinking, or self-defense every day. Hone your abilities, but avoid bragging about them. Bullies avoid individuals with genuine competence.
7. The Power of Silence
Silence is a potent weapon, especially against bullies. When dealing with a bully, silence combined with strong eye contact creates a formidable defense, particularly when paired with confident body language. Silence is your master, protector, and source of charisma.
These rules come from the book "Grim Begins," the first novel in the Grim series. It's designed for both entertainment and empowerment. The book tells the story of a young man who escapes an abusive father, traveling and falling in with drug smugglers, which leads him to the gulags of the Soviet Union. It's grim but truthful, a metaphor for life's struggles. Grim's mission is to bring cultural change for generations to come: Be honorable.