Step One, Cut a Hole in the Box

Think outside the box? Most of us are way beyond being tired of this statement, but the funny part is it can't be done without defining the box - and that takes massive amounts of humility most people don't have (thanks Scott Forgey for the title to todays blog).

Like it or not, your view of reality is a view.  A view is not real or true, but a view.  There are 3000 views on religion, you think yours is the truth?  Of course you do, that is part of the view.  If you understand that, you might begin to "cut a hole in the box", but being willing to consider your religion is a view??!! (I know I'll likely get my head cut off for this one)

Well, this post is not about religion, it is about the humility required to go beyond your current circumstances.  You have vision, you can see the future, but it seems so elusive.  Why can't I get there?

If you are at least 99% human, you are likely to be lying to yourself about how resigned or how heartbroken you are.  You are likely to be lying to yourself about what is likely to happen in the future and are crossing your fingers hoping that the good thing happens or the bad ones don't.

So, hoping you won't get laid off, hoping your company won't fail, hoping you'll get that lucky break is still all hope.

Hope [noun] 1. a feeling of expectation or desire for a certain thing to happen 2. clinging to a mere possibility.

Lets get one thing straight.  I am for possibility.  In fact if you know me personally, you know I am likely to be more for something being possible than most.  But real possibility starts with the facts - and you can't see the facts when you are crossing your fingers and hoping.  You can't cut a hole in the box if you lie to yourself about the box; i.e. "what box?"

Where leadership or real productivity is concerned do one thing today.  Get Clear.

Get clear about the facts, get clear about the circumstances (leave the emotional reactions off to the side for a moment), get clear about your finances, get clear about the marketplace and then and only then might you be able to rise above it all.

Here is the final point you'll really hate.  The only way to truly see the facts about you is through someone else. If you humble enough to ask there may be hope for you after all.

John Patterson
Convergence Founder

image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fire176/3092295368/

Comments

[gaia gold]

Thanks for that article man. love your perspective!

now on to step two... putting my junk in the box! :)

[Christian Sass]

Thanks for that article man. love your perspective!

now on to step two... putting my junk in the box! :)