In a world where we are wired for instant gratification, a state of existence that in itself should be categorized as a new addition to “Marslow’s Hierarchy of Needs”, the ability to go the distance in any pursuit is neither discussed nor emphasized near enough.
In a world where we are wired for instant gratification, a state of existence that in itself should be categorized as a new addition to “Marslow’s Hierarchy of Needs”, the ability to go the distance in any pursuit is neither discussed nor emphasized near enough. Mired by consumerism and over stimulation, a significant demographic has lost, or possibly has never had the need or the desire to see things through. The proverbial chicken has come home to roost, and we can see that in our workplaces, in our businesses, in our social ventures, and even in our hobbies.
Just Do It
Just like Nike I dare say, for which I am told there is no substitute, there is nothing as character building, skill imparting and heart fulfilling as just doing it. From a baby’s first attempt to get off their butt and walk, to a young adult’s first attempt at dating, there is a fair share of bruising, physical or otherwise, topped off by eventually figuring it out, at least for most. The experience in itself is a journey that only starts with the first attempt, at which point all plans seem to be failing, particularly the “really good plans”. And this takes me to my next point.
Adjust on the Fly
Indeed, it is true that it does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near one, as famously put by J.R.R. Tolkien. However, plans are meant to provide a general sense of direction, and should be treated as such, akin to your sixth sense. Failing to plan is planning to fail we say, but so is over planning and refusing to adjust and change course. A key ingredient to adjusting is taking feedback, fast, positively, and objectively. Rabbit holes are real, and they are dark and cold places, so don’t chase the one carrot; adjust, and find that farmers market. Dream it, do it, and adjust on the fly. After all, dreaming is a form of planning. Ask Gloria Steinem.
Immerse in the Process
Thinking, fast and Slow. Great book by Daniel Kahneman. Read it. Assume my next statements have anything to do with the book at your own peril. Thinking is great, done the right way of course. Action drives momentum. Sustains it. Gives it a lease of life. Thinking causes inertia. Kills momentum. But to fail to think is to die. The paradox of it all. Amidst all this, the process is your friend. Its not a barrier. The end goal is not your friend. Keep an eye on it. If it moves, keep your friend close. Who is your friend? The process. And lastly,
Buy In
Its simply not done until it’s done. Even the slickest of tongues cannot bite itself. It needs teeth for that. Self-drive similarly doesn’t exist in isolation. It needs fuel. The fuel is you, when you buy in on the end game, you immerse yourself in the process, you adjust on the fly, and lastly and most importantly, you just do it.
So GO THE DISTANCE. Pull a Kipchoge while at it, if you can.
