Tension of the Opposites: Persistence & Humility

Herein lies one of the greatest mysteries of life:??When opposing forces interact, there is the potential for conflict (i.e. where the outcome results in something less then the sum of the parts) OR the potential for synergy (i.e. where the outcome yields something greater than the sum of the parts).??What determines which way things will go???The answer, I believe, is meaningful integration - where a deeper understanding of the tension enables us to leverage the best of each perspective and create something unique, bespoke, and inspiring.

Last week I alluded to some seemingly opposing characteristics that are key to walking the path of a champion.??The first pair being persistence and humility.??They go together.??We know the goal is true, but the path is uncertain.??So we try, we fall short in some way, we learn, and we try again, but more skillfully.??Persistence provides the grit, the tenacity, the determination to stay focused and committed.??Humility provides the open-minded receptiveness and altruistic egolessness that is necessary for us to get over ourselves when we fall short in some way and recommit ourselves toward the greater good.??One of my proudest moments in the last year was when my little guy, my now 4-year old, comes running up to me with a huge grin on his face and says “Look Baba! (that is what he calls me), I made a mistake, I’m learning”.??You better believe I put that moment in the bank.??

In moments of crisis or great need, it is strangely easier to justify bold action and striving toward ambitious goals.??Others (perhaps with less clarity or conviction) are rattled enough by the difficultly of the moment and open to a champion’s guidance.??However, when the pressure subsides, many people want to just slip back into the old unconscious habituated ways of doing things.??But a champion cannot “unsee” that potential without losing part of their soul.??We have to stay the course – the path is always shifting, but the purpose stays sacred.??This is why champions need both humility and persistence.