When you’re in that space of “I have to win” “I have to figure this out” “I can’t fail” “I refuse to fail” you are telling yourself all the wrong things… and most importantly, you are asking yourself all the wrong questions.
When we aren’t able to ask ourselves those quality questions – the ones that lead to creative solutions and big insights, we’re stuck exactly where we are, making the same mistakes over and over – and often not even noticing that we are! In effect, all of your efforts can end up distracting you from the actual solution and the real win.
And we can’t go ANYWHERE new until we start looking at things in new ways. Let’s throw it into a map metaphor…
Our map consists of all of the landmarks and scenery that we don’t filter out – and we filter out an awful lot of stuff. When you are in survival mode – your landmarks are all of the dangers you perceive and your map is all about avoiding those dangers…. not about finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow but rather, avoiding the chasm, not getting crushed by that glacier over there, and looking out for quicksand. The good stuff doesn’t even get to make it to your map when you are in survival mode!
If your map (perspective) is wrong… it will never help you get where you want to go. You will keep struggling over all the same things. You will keep striving for clients you can’t find, or who aren’t giving you fulfilling and profitable work. You will keep asking yourself the same questions.
You need a new map (of the same territory!).
Let’s be clear: is hard work important? YES! I’m all about working hard and putting in the time and effort. On the right things. With the right map.
Because here’s the real secret…
Following through on strategy is important (I looove strategy)…
But it’s ONLY 50% of the equation.