Moby Dick, Perseverance, & TPS Reports: Hunt Purpose

“As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote. I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on barbarous coasts.”

Your high school English teacher was right. You didn’t listen to the naysayers, and neither did I. Dangerous seas can be sailed and tall mountains climbed. How much does it matter and is it worth it? It depends on the purpose fueling your hunt. Justin Pearson posted something simple, powerful, and elegant.

I WILL provide #purpose

I WILL provide #guidance

I WILL provide #motivation

I WILL provide #inspiration

I WILL provide #passion

#ITSWHOIAM

Hunt purpose and lead beyond the white whale or “Call us all Ishmael.”

What white whale do you hunt?

I think this question burns in some of us like hot embers. For many, the dream of the white whale is only that…a vague dream, elusive and somewhat haunting. For others, the daydream of the white whale keeps us strong when others falter, keeps us hungry when others are complacent, and is the elusive beast stirring our soul to action. The attribute of success that separates most from their white whale is not talent, skill, or resources, but PERSEVERANCE.

Answering the inner question about your white whale is inherently tied to the level of commitment fueling your perseverance. How much does it matter and is it worth it? The Inner Architect reminds us, in order to maintain our perseverance we need to believe "the dream" is achievable, despite contrary evidence or challenges. How would you articulate your white whale to a perfect stranger? If they REALLY listened would you be embarrassed or proud. Would your dream be a trojan horse, hidden material desires painted in colors of the rainbow, masked in false humanity, or humility? Naming your white whale, describing it, and making it transparent to all you lead, follow, and serve is a key to successful leadership. Naming your whale reflects your leadership perspective and style, and shapes the leader you're striving to become. It will make you stronger... because all who share your passion will step forward, and all those who do not will likely prove it to you.

“Towards thee I roll, thou all-destroying but unconquering whale; to the last I grapple with thee; from hell's heart I stab at thee; for hate's sake I spit my last breath at thee"

Why do you hunt the white whale?

"Why" is powerful. The authenticity of this answer is revealed over time... Motivation. Those that try to hide their true motivations, like the inky ocean, will likely spend a lifetime drowning it or denying it. I think it takes a long time to work through the real WHY... and it's likely revealed not in your greatest successes, but in your initial failures. That stings a bit for the over achievers sailing the high seas.

The Coalition of the Willing you have assembled to do great things inside your company is built and sustained on the REAL reason why you hunt the whale. It reminds them or reflects THEIR reason why they hunt THEIR whale. It inspires those who hear the call to brave all the risks of failure, and it will help sustain the team through immense challenges and adversity.

What is more important than your white whale? If your Coalition of the Willing has lost their way, rest assured the foundation is cracked. and purpose lost. If you think their motivation is built on a paycheck, bonus, or equity... reconsider the real fuel for grit and achievement is often not the same as endurance.

If you think you harpooned that whale, it's likely you'll discover the fleeting satisfaction to leave you empty and wanting. A lack of understanding your deep purpose regarding WHY and WHAT whale you hunt will drive you back to the sea, until you get it right or dead wrong. Hunting purpose means pursuing genuine fulfillment. The perseverance required is essential, meaningful, and worth the price.

What is more important than your white whale?

If your answer is, “Nothing," then each and every white whale you kill will likely NEVER be Moby Dick. Whether you discover that truth while tied to the rope dragging you to the bottom of the ocean, or bobbing in the wreckage of your ship, or cast away on a corporate island. I would submit that until something matters more, your Moby Dick will be an elusive angel or demon following you in the restless darkness, or haunting you at every crucial step during the day. If your white whale is your personification of all that is needed, wanted, embodying your vision of success…it is likely none of them. The same perseverance which fueled your journey to stand above its carcass, when all others likely failed, will be the same which drives you back to the sea looking for something more meaningful. Your high school English teacher was right. You don’t listen, and neither did I, let experience be your teacher. Hunt purpose and make it your great white whale, and now don’t call me Ishmael.