Are we getting in our own way?

It's considered smart to always set achievable tasks for our selves and our team. There doesn't seem to be any point in setting unreasonable goals or accept high levels of risk. Or is it that this sort of thinking is exactly why we sometimes struggle to grow, develop and reach our full potential?

Could it be that being “smart” about our decisions to move forward on a project, limits the incredible opportunity we have to actually overcome the very barriers that make the goal “un-smart”? Does labeling an objective “unrealistic”, actually reflect our comfort zone biases or resistance to change?

Without “foolish” endeavors, fueled by strong vision, a willingness to fail big and the commitment to achieve the impossible, it is hard to imagine Steve Jobs creating one of the worlds most valuable companies. It would be totally unreasonable for Winston Churchill to accept the nomination to become PM, just as war was threatening the whole of Europe. It would be madness for Charles Lindbergh to attempt to fly non-stop from New York to Paris, in 1927.

There are many examples of extraordinary people that had the stubbornness to pursue highly ambitious and even potentially dangerous goals. These are the people that we remember throughout history, and none of the cautious or “under the radar” ones.

Some would call such persons ignorant, wild-cards, arrogant or "weirdos", but if we reflect upon these traits, maybe we will find that they are not exactly negative, depending on context and of course strength of vision and character.

Sure, if there is success, people flock to take part in the celebration of the daring achievement. But what about encouraging and celebrating the leader that has the courage to walk uncharted territories and ultimately fail. Should we consider the result as being the defining characteristic of that individual, or should we admire the guts it took to make the attempt?

A startup entrepreneur, or a new leader in any capacity are required to be clueless as to all the difficulties standing in their way, but confident enough in their vision and commitment to believe that they will pull it off anyway, said Steven Pressfield in his book “Do the work”.

How can we all tap into this state of mind, and apply some of it to our own undertakings?

Most of us tend to over-think everything and thus get in our own way in making a bold decision. Whether analysis paralysis steps in, or we simply fear judgement, over-thinking is highly likely to be one of the main culprits holding back innovation and growth. Just do it, right?

Children seem to have no problem believing in the unbelievable, and that's a skill we seem to forget as the years roll by.

We overthink, doubt and hesitate so much in our adult lives, that we actually end up retreating in isolation, looking for some peace and stability, instead of continuing to strive for those big dreams and ideals. Why have we forgotten to believe in magic?

It is like, somehow, we are actively searching for justifications not to do it, reasons that would release us from the burden of having to succeed, when we analyze goals, and completely forgetting about the opportunity and glory that may be ahead.

It could be that we need a refresher on the fact that any decision can be revised later, and any action can be revisited, but we cannot really accomplish anything until we act.

It is healthy to be a little bit stubborn and commit to a daring plan. I think stubbornness is a much clearer way to describe the attitude than tenacity or perseverance when taking about the commitment needed to push through hardships. What’s the worst thing that can happen? Why does this outcome scare us? Analyzing the fears, risks and rewards would reveal more detail on what is holding us back from being great and start working on those areas.

Sometimes even a dose of blind faith is needed, especially when we want to be creative in finding solutions or new approaches. Believing in something intangible is unscientific and more on the side of spirituality. So what? Are we not spiritual beings? Can we put creativity on a scale?

Professor Patricia Ryan Madson, teaching at Stanford University, wrote in her book “Improv Wisdom” that if we imagine opening a box, there will always be something in there, no matter if it’s a frog or a gold coin. This is what having faith can enable us to do, be confident that for each obstacle standing in our way towards greatness, there will be a solution and a way forward.

Of course, we must have passion for the things that we do. Passion drives us to move and compels us to keep doing the work, because it comes from inside us. Also not exactly measurable.

Fear is the enemy of passion, so a good understanding of our own fears and committing to ignore such powerful, primal emotions could unlick a world of possibilities. Vision is combining the universe of potential with the passion to explore it, resulting in the clarification of our goals.

“If you believe, you can achieve!” was posted on my sales team’s leaderboard. Notice the “can”. There are no guarantees, but “if” you don't make the leap, you “can’t” achieve anything of true value.