PART 4: FINDING JOY IN THE JOURNEY
A quote by city planner Daniel H. Burnham (who died in 1912) still carries a particularly timeless wisdom:
"Haphazard work is invariably the most expensive in the end. All improvements should be undertaken with a view to an ultimate whole... And the fundamental idea is not to plunge into vast expense by trying to carry out all the plans at once. It's better to make sure that each step will count in the right direction. Then nothing will have to be undone, but through regular progression there will be realized [any] worthy ambition..."
We may walk across continents in single steps... People can "eat elephants" in single bites... We live entire lifetimes one day at a time...
There are as many allegories for solving problems "a step at a time" as there are problems to solve. What about an entire freight train that is derailed by a single loose bolt? Like the train, our most ambitious plans can be upset by seemingly insignificant events. Conversely, we can accomplish impressive things in life by knowing which bolts to leave on the tracks--and where to leave them.
Inventor Buckminster Fuller (1896-1983), famous for his far-reaching genius in engineering, mathematics, and philosophy (among numerous others), asked that his grave be inscribed with the words: "Call me Trim tab." A trim tab is a tiny rudder placed on the edge of a larger rudder of a ship or airplane. A very small change in the angle of the trim tab can hold the larger rudder in a fixed position, or change its angle very slowly, thereby subtly redirecting the progress of the entire vessel.
Buckminster Fuller's life goal was to demonstrate what a single person could do to help make the world a better place to live. A noble mission, but one that he was able to attain in many respects because he sought change in small ways, working diligently toward big solutions by concentrating on each individual step.
“I have brought myself, by long meditation, to the conviction that a human being with a settled purpose must accomplish it, and that nothing can resist a will which will stake even existence upon its fulfillment.”
--Benjamin Disraeli
The challenge to incremental progress is, obviously, the time it takes to accomplish our goals. And patience can be most difficult.
As we wait for our tiny steps to bring us the rewards we want, it's a good idea to track the progress we've made. It sounds simple enough, but even this may, at times, become unbelievably difficult. That's when we need diligence most of all, because sometimes the only thing we have to keep us going is the hope that things will get better.
Most often, the successful person is the "failure" that didn't give up. Our goals--and our plans--for the future can, themselves, spur us on to achievement. Another quote by Daniel Burnham:
“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir [your] blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans and aim high in hope and work. Remember that a noble, logical [plan], once recorded, will never die, but... will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency.”
If the plan is big enough, if it is personal enough, if it truly captures our imagination and ambition, it really can be the impetus to action; as Mr. Burnham said, continually "asserting itself with ever-growing insistency." That's what motivation is all about.
But it isn't just the grand plans, our networks, or our strength that will get us through. Most often, it is simple perseverance--coupled with a positive attitude that just won't let us give up.
Do you remember your first ride on a roller coaster? If so, you'll recall the anticipation of that first big hill, as the cars clinked toward the top with your heart beating wildly in your chest. Right a the top, there's that moment when you think all is well. Then suddenly the car falls and you feel as thought the entire world will end. What happens? Just as you approach the ground, the car roars back up again. Like a youngster said afterward, "The ride is scary, but it's fun. All you have to do is hang on."
Life can be very difficult, and sometimes it's "scary," but it is fun. It should be fun. The goals we set for ourselves will be the single most motivating force in our lives. And as we look back periodically and see the progress we've made, we feel even more excited about what lies ahead. Like the roller coaster, we create our own momentum to move on, to progress.
OBSTACLES
It's inevitable. As hard as you try, there will always be those who (for some reason or another) would love to see you fail. There will always be someone who would like to stand in your way. We all agree that it would be nice if you could hold fast to your convictions and be rewarded for your sincerity. But you're sure it would never happen in real life... right? Well, try it. And you may find that it does!
Why do we face so much difficulty when we attempt to implement the plans we make for ourselves? Some problems are circumstantial or personal, like a lack of capital, poor self-esteem, or fear. Others involved other people, like jealousy, misunderstanding, even prejudice. Regardless of the reasons, the outcome is often the same: We become discouraged and, ultimately, fail to meet our goals and aspirations. In essence, we allow those who would see us fail meet their goals.
A mentor once counseled me to face hostility with kindness; and while it sounds a little strange, it really works. This doesn't mean that you let people walk all over you. Quite the contrary. What it means is that you don't let them "get to you." By controlling your emotions, you control your adversary--and you buy time to think. (You'd be surprised how much you can say to express your frustration, while still maintaining your composure.)
Then, when you've taken the time to choose the most appropriate action, you simply sidestep the obstacle and go on with your plans. This confuses adversaries so completely, that they often don't even know they've been beaten.
Another effective way of dealing with people who become obstacles is to involve them. By allowing them involvement they may see the work for what it really is and decline, having made their point. Regardless, by giving power away, you really end up getting it all back. In other words, if you allow people to express themselves and become a part of your life, they (in essence) become your allies. You maintain control and direction.
If there is one message I do not want to send with this statement, however, it is that it is possible move ahead with your life's plans alone and without heeding the advice of others. It's important to learn to know when to hear what someone is trying to tell you, and when to really listen to that advice. Often, once we realize that we should have listened, it's too late.
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