If what you're doing has never been done in quite the way that you envision it, then new systems and new methodologies are often required.
This means not only sharing your vision and winning over others, but helping those who want to assist you to make necessary adjustments to their status quo thinking. Being brave enough to try something different and throw out what just won't work in your new landscape.
This is not as easy as it sounds. For the visionary or for those who believe in her.
The ease of change is indirectly proportional to the investment one has in the status quo. Moving to Europe is something new, but if I am unable to easily shed (perhaps sell) my belongings that I have here, it is not a change I can easily make.
ReplyDeleteChanging one's point of view requires forgiving one's self for decisions made under the old one. It is not so much trying to fit a square peg into a round hole as it is redefining the opening based upon new "givens."
Interesting observation, Ken. It's so true that you have to understand that change and the investment in status quo are directly related. New givens appear all the time and in fact, I think the successful life involves a lot of redefining, as you say.
DeleteA related idea I posted on my facebook wall earlier this week:
Remember to weigh the "complication" factor against who or what is trying complicate things. Keep a clear focus. Don't make life harder than it has to be. In other words, KISS.
Change is hard for humans, no matter what we like to think. I find myself repeatedly in my career, having to not only sell the vision, but break people out of old patterns of thinking.
I remember once talking about "branded entertainment" in the form of "web series" back in 2007 at an advertising conference. People looked at me like I was speaking Swahili. Two years later, everyone was doing it.
The hardest part of being visionary is getting the "establishment" to take the risk. even when they "get" the vision.
What you are speaking of, in the 1st paragraph of your reply, is a new way of life. It is "new" in the sense that it is a step that requires a personal graduation that not everyone gets. It requires, I would bet, an !Q over 110, at least 100. It requires someone to experience an episode in life that spurs them to question the basic tenets, by which they have guided their life. By and large, I think these people become atheists because they truly want to understand events which effect their lives. Others give up and cling to god. Those who do not give up embark on a journey of discovery that lasts their lifetime.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I hear something new, the first thing I do is to evaluate what the scenario's endgame is. Then I try to figure out who or what benefits from that endgame and with that I can usually figure out the motivation of the presenter and whether I want to incorporate the idea.
Change is the hardest thing we do, in spite of the fact that we are continually required to do it. I am sure you have figured it out, but I will share something that was given to me when I was about your age. People generally do NOT want advice, even when they ask for it. When people ask for it, what they are actually seeking is affirmation that their beliefs are correct. I was advised to only offer advice when they really, really profess wanting it and even then it is questionable and they will resent you for it.
It was interesting. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to help some close friends to find the answers to some psycho/spiritual trauma that occurred in their lives. I knew from the start that I could not "give" them the answers they sought. I could only ask them questions that guided them to find the answers. It was interesting to see how hard they fought to avoid coming to the obvious conclusion, in spite of how good they felt once they arrived.
I was able to do that because I knew them well and I also had their trust. It took tremendous effort and a whole weekend and it showed me how difficult change is, even when one wants it so badly. I am reminded of that when I feel the urge to explain something. I have been told I have an affinity to keep it simple at times, but people mostly only truly understand when the explanation doesn't muddy their beliefs.
I concur with you. It is very lonesome when you decide to take the journey, as you make your way through the blind. People only change when their situation leaves them no other choice and even then it is HARD. Those blinders that the establishment wears are real.
I always enjoy your thoughtful insights, Ken.
DeleteIt's a balance, isn't it? Being steadfast vs. being open to advice, suggestion, guidance. It's extremely tough when you're trying something new and have to balance the vision, your passion, your willingness to learn (an extension of understanding that you just don't know everything) and your intuition.
Lonely place and full of doubt.
affect : P
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed, a Lonely place and full of doubt. I wouldn't trade it for the world, however. Once you take that first step, you can never go back.
ReplyDelete