It is often very easy and perhaps the human thing to do to look at lives of others we admire, and be like “oh they have it all figured out”.
While parts of their journey look ironed out, the process and work behind the scene is not an exact science. Input has not always equaled output. A lot of input didn’t generate desired outcome and at some point the desired outcome wasn’t always clear. I stand corrected but that’s the impression I get as I interact and look behind the curtains of many great accomplishers in life.
As true as it may be that we don’t control a lot of the outcomes in our lives and can only influence as much as we can, it becomes increasingly clear that’s all we can do – cover all the basis at our end, iterate for desired impact depending on outcomes, pivot again if need be towards unfolding desired outcomes and keep it moving while waiting for the next clues. The key is testing for fulfillment per time and setting a new course with what we learn. Hard but salient truth, if everything came figured out – wonder if we would really enjoy the journey or feel challenged in life or even unravel new perspectives about ourselves. The hustle never stops and guess that’s why billionaires or even those we deem the most fulfilled are always on the chase of the next thing. The Matthew effect comes to mind here, to those that have more would be given, and to those that don’t have enough most likely more would be taken from. So while the odds might look stacked against us in different scenarios, important we keep the strive on, ensuring at every bit of the journey there is a new dimension added to us. The alternative is that we diminish, lose relevance and poise to find new clues.
Summary of my rambling, important to keep the motion, no matter how slow, unsure and unclear the waters might be. After-all, aren’t we all just winging it? Nothing is for certain but doesn’t mean we stop trying to influence outcomes. If there is anything that I am learning or gets re-affirmed over time – consistency, doggedness, lessons along the way and stamina built are more valuable than the outcomes. Even when it doesn’t work out, or the results don’t pan out as expected, it is important to find courage and will to try again. Otherwise, the Matthew effect could potentially kick in. Sounds harsh but those are some of the unfolding truths about life and our journey here.
Tough but frank adulthood & life lesson, by leaning in is the only way you are getting through to the other side. Got to constantly embrace and go head on with the curve balls, highs and lows. And somewhat finding a way of enjoying such moments. Quite an obscene amount of doggedness required
BJA | TDM 