7 lessons from "House of Cards" that will make you stronger.

Attention! There are a lot of SPOILERS in this article. If you have not watched until the end of the fourth season, it is better to postpone reading this article for later.

And please, notice that I only translate this marvelous article to the English language. Also, you can find a lot of mistakes, please forgive me! It is really good English practice for me, as for the student. Enjoy Reading! Source

1. Accept defeat with dignity

At the very beginning of the series, the protagonist faces injustice. Frank Underwood helps Garrett Walker win the presidential election, for which he must appoint him secretary of state. But becoming a president, Walker does not fulfill his promise.

Underwood in this situation is very wise. He does not arrange scandals and hysteria, but silently takes offense. And the same day he is building a new plan to achieve his goal.

The character of a person is determined not by how he or she enjoys victory, but by the way a person suffers defeat.

2. Show gratitude by deeds, not by words

Underwood surrounds himself with people who are ready to go into the fire and into the water for him. But he himself does not remain in debt. For example, he transfers the bodyguard Mitchem from the Capitol police to the intelligence service. This is an incredible boost in his career. In response to the thanks of his subordinate Frank said an important words:

Continue to be useful is the best way to prove gratitude.

Frank Underwood

3. Do not be so naive

Garrett Walker, who at one time did not give Frank an increase, paid for it in full. Because of the political machinations of Underwood, Walker lost the confidence of voters: his rating reached a record low of 8%. The president resigned, and his place was taken by Underwood.

It is better to hold the reins than to watch from the rostrum.

Frank Underwood

Of course, you are not the president and it is unlikely that you are surrounded by enemies from all the sides. But, you see, it is unpleasant to become a victim of deception, even if it does not lead to such terrible consequences. Often remember the folk wisdom: trust, but check. And listen to your own flair, it rarely fails.

4. Distract from problems

 Disconnecting from problems for a short time is an extremely useful skill. Do not get hung up at work. Run, play, read a book or lie down half an hour in silence. Find a lesson that will help you overcome emotional discomfort.

Claire Underwood runs in any weather. Her husband after a hard day sits down for playing computer games. It is reely helps to relax.

5. Value people who are on your side

Claire and Frank are husband and wife, and even the most loyal allies for each other, at least that was before the start of the third season when Frank chided Claire and gave her unequivocal understanding that she was nothing without him. The strained relations between the spouses nearly led to the collapse of Underwood in the political arena.

From friends the most dangerous enemies are obtained.

Frank Underwood

6. Use fear to become more powerfull

Doug Stamper - the main loyal assistant Underwood. But he also has his secret: at one time he was an alcoholic. Disastrous addiction comes back to him in a difficult period of recovery from trauma. Doug falls out of politics.

Only the fear of completely out of work and without a purpose in life gives Doug strength to cope with dependence and return to the White House.

I have to be ruthless with myself. I must use my fear, only it makes me stronger.

Douglas Stamper

7. Wait, until conditions will change

 Do you remember when US President Underwood tried to persuade Russian President Petrov to take part in a joint peacekeeping operation? After the talks, Petrov said his firm "no", a diplomatic agreement was never reached. The Underwood couple left Moscow with nothing.

But when some time passed and the passions subsided, Claire successfully negotiated with the Russian leader in the framework of the G7 summit.

A firm "no" is a firm "no", in this situation nothing can be done. Worthily accept refusals. But this does not mean that you need to forget about your goals. When the conditions become more favorable, return to it. And then success is inevitable.

Thank you for your reading!

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