Have you ever tuned into sports pundits dissecting the performance of a star athlete? They’ll often dive deep into the psyche of these players, marveling at how they rise to the occasion, how they maintain composure under the most intense pressure. But what’s truly going on in their minds at these critical moments?
Are they second-guessing their skills, fretting over potential defeat, or daydreaming about their next day off? Unlikely. The secret lies in Awareness. These athletes are awake, utterly present, fully engaged in their journey. What might appear as a miraculous play is fundamentally them being completely present and ready. That’s the essence of your journey. Do not embark on it until you’ve reflected and embraced this truth.
What journey are you on? If you’re reading this, chances are, you’re on one. Let me share a moment that changed my path forever.
I was in a room with a leader known for his transformative insights. He looked at us and said, “Some of you here will change from this moment onward, and some will not.” That statement struck me. I was already seeking, looking for a way forward, for betterment. I knew then, I was exactly where I was meant to be.
You must decide to embark on this journey. No amount of encouragement from others will suffice; it’s about your own will to change.
Paths you’ll explore won’t always lead you where you expect, but remember, there’s always something to learn if you’re truly seeking. Some paths, however, will feel like wormholes—those rare opportunities or insights that propel your growth at an unimaginable pace.
Imagine these wormholes as mentors who challenge your thinking, books that shift your perspective, or experiences that redefine your limits.
Navigator is my recount of these wormholes, a guide not just for me but for anyone seeking a similar path. It’s not about following blindly but recognizing when something resonates with your journey. If this resonates with you, if you feel that “Navigator” could be your guide, then now is the time to act.
So, what’s your next step? Will you recognize the wormholes in your life? Will you let “Navigator” be your compass?
Remember, the journey is yours, but the paths we choose can be eerily similar. Only you will know if this is the direction you’re looking for. If it is, begin to build your first stake in this new ground.
Being the first
You can’t delegate being the first.
Understand this: The first stakeholder in your organization is you. I recall watching a video of a younger me stating, “You are the limit in your business, and for your business to grow, so must you.” I stand by those words today, grateful for the wisdom I had back then.
If you’re the founder or creator, your organization mirrors your essence. It thrives on your innovation, drive, and energy, but also bears the brunt of your inexperience. Look around at any business, from the giants to the startups, and you’ll see this truth reflected.
Imagine you’re tasked with transforming an organization. Perhaps you’ve inherited a culture of poor standards, toxic habits, or a work environment that’s the antithesis of your vision. Or maybe you’re at the helm of a startup, fueled by adrenaline, racing towards the next milestone.
Your mission is clear: Craft the first stakeholder in the image of your ideal. Ask yourself:
- What mindset should your engineers embody?
- How should your managers lead?
- What pride should your cleaning team take in their work?
This is your vision. But vision alone isn’t enough. You must embody this vision. For your organization to adopt your vision, they need to see it in action, to emulate it.
Being the first is not just fundamental; it’s defining. You risk creating versions of yourself that you don’t want if you’re not authentic. You can’t fake it. Your authenticity is the blueprint for every stakeholder that follows.
Distracted by the noise
Do not see things better than they are or worse then they are, see them as they are.
Are you often asked if you’re an optimist or a pessimist? If you’re on a path to success, this question has probably crossed your path more than once. Here’s why I find it lacking: it’s simplistic. You’ve already labeled yourself, haven’t you? “I’m an optimist, I’ve got this!” That’s the trap – it’s a distraction, a quick hit of feel-good.
If you’re consuming content that only promotes blind optimism, it’s time to seek a higher standard. Platitudes about staying positive are not just unhelpful; they’re distractions. You’re on a journey, and that alone makes you inherently optimistic. Social media is rife with posts that seem supportive but are really just noise, diverting your focus from your true mission.
Consider this: Optimism is expecting the best outcome, while optimal means achieving the best possible result. Everyone seeks the optimal outcome, making us all, by definition, optimists. But what about those moments of doubt or cynicism? Here’s where the question’s simplicity fails us.
You can’t hold a single stance on everything. The real power lies not in being swayed by labels but in seeing reality clearly, as it is. When you see things as they truly are, you see the path forward.
It’s Easy to Make Things Worse.
Change is easy. But is it the change you want?
Consider astronaut Chris Hadfield’s concept of being a “Zero.” It’s a powerful idea, especially as a starting point before you achieve competence. If you can avoid breaking things while you’re learning how they work, you’re already ahead. You’re not making things worse.
Take politicians, for instance. Often, their confidence outpaces their competence. Their enthusiasm is commendable but frequently exceeds their ability.
Confidence is crucial on your path to success. It’s a powerful tool, but like any tool, it needs to be wielded with control and wisdom.
Are you ready to begin?
Remember this: You’re flawed, there’s much to learn, and you’re lacking in many skills. But here’s your anchor: Begin with Awareness. Total presence. A clear understanding that you’re on a journey. It’s a path that demands time, and yes, you’ll drift—lose focus, run out of steam, and feel like quitting. But here’s the truth: None of that will derail you because you’ll always circle back to this core truth. Your awareness, your presence of mind, that you are on a journey, a journey that you chose of your own free will and nothing will stop you.
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