If you’re anything like us Collegiettes, you’ve probably binge watched almost all of House of Cards on Netflix by now. If you haven’t, well the best advice we can give you is to start immediately, and spend all of your free time watching Frank and Claire Underwood kick some serious ass in the White House. Trust us, it will be one of the best decisions you have ever made. One of the reasons why we enjoy the show so much is because we love it when Frank Underwood breaks the fourth wall and shows off his legendary monologuing skills. Over the course of two seasons, we’ve seen him shed some pretty valuable words of wisdom on his quest for power. Check out some of his most inspirational gems below.
1. Be Confident
Always try to carry yourself with poise, dignity, and self-esteem. The way you walk, talk and interact with other people tells them whether you’re a person with a positive attitude, who they would want to surround themselves with, or a person who is super insecure and is probably a pessimist. Let’s be honest, no one wants to be friends with someone who constantly gives off bad vibes, which leads us to our next point…
2. Demand Respect
If you lack confidence, people will eventually notice, and think it’s okay to walk all over you. If you see that someone is clearly trying to take advantage of you, either say something, or devise a way to later f*ck with them back. Stand up for yourself, your opinions, and your beliefs, but don’t be obnoxious about it. Trust us, everyone wants to avoid confrontation, so if you’re forced to make the first jab, chances are your opponent will meet it with respect.
3. Always Have a Plan
Think situations out in advance, and be ambitious about what you want and how you can get it. Know what your ultimate goals are, and go achieve them, through subtle manipulation, coercion or whatever other means necessary. Even if everything doesn’t go according to how you wanted, it’s always better to come prepared with backup plans, if necessary.
4. Keep your Friends Close and your Enemies Closer
Frank Underwood knows that no one makes a better rival than someone who knows your personality well. If a friend becomes an enemy, they will be able to pinpoint your weaknesses, and use them to take you down. So the obvious solution is to take care of your current friendships, and try not to burn bridges with those you were once close to.
5. Use your Sexuality to your Advantage
Sex can be an invaluable instrument in getting what you want. From the dawn of mankind, women have realized this, and exploited men’s lust for their own personal gain. (Take note: Cleopatra, Marilyn Monroe) We know what you’re thinking, isn’t that morally reprehensible? Probably, but we’re not judging.
6. Don’t Make Rash Decisions
Never commit to something without heavily weighing the pros and cons first. Remember that rarely, if ever, are good decisions made between the hours of 2 and 8am, so if you’re doubting yourself, just sleep on it. Whether it’s a change in a relationship status, or a new job offer, always consider the possible consequences before jumping into anything.
Even though Frank Underwood shouldn’t serve as a role model to anyone who isn’t a complete sociopath, we can still gain some valuable insights from the show on how to become more successful and pragmatic within our own lives. Underwood’s unwavering focus and cunning, coupled with his persuasive way of speaking have made him one of the greatest characters in recent television history. Still don’t believe us? Just watch the video.