I have to ask myself, am I really learning? Am I really changing for the better? Or am I stubbornly staying the same? The hope and challenge of the 365 Commitment is to change for the better. One thing is for sure, at least this practice makes me take an honest look at myself each day.
So, in the spirit of changing and growing I think I learned something yesterday. Typically, I will take a “damn the torpedoes” kind of attitude and not change course regardless of the obstacles. I pride myself on not giving up. This has some merit, but it has some problems too. When I’m head down and toughing it out I can miss or ignore signs and circumstance that should give me pause. It’s also hard to learn in this kind of mode, or rather . . . learning occurs, it’s just called learning the hard way.
Recently, I took on a project and decided to partner with an experienced gentleman whom I’ve known for years. I’ve noticed that he has no drama. His projects seem to get done steadily and with good quality. I wanted to benefit from his experience.
In typical energetic fashion I moved ahead leading the project and he let me, but as we began to engage with the client things were not easy. Normally, I see this as a challenge. I was feeling uneasy, yet was ready to stay the course in order to make some money. You know, “tough it out.” My partner was willing to continue with the project if I wanted to. But, I stopped and asked him what he would do.
He said, “if my client starts changing terms or behaving badly, I just let the job go. Even though we might need the money, it’s not worth it.” I decided to listen to him, and do something different. Instead of pushing ahead, I let it go.
So, tempering my enthusiasm with some discernment is my lesson I think. I don’t need to work with every client or endure every boss. I can just let it go and allow room for a different opportunity.
I’m not sure if my proclivity to push forward with a “damn the torpedo’s” kind of mentality is due to stubbornness, arrogance, or immaturity. Probably all three. And, now that I’m thinking about it, then there are all those movies I’ve watched where the hero somehow makes it happen regardless of the obstacles. I’ve probably aspired to that. Well, I think there better sources of wisdom than movies designed to entertain.
Wisdom can come the hard way, or it can come through from seeking the advice of someone with experience and taking it. Now, I know that if things aren’t working out, there is no need to sacrifice myself to “make it happen.” I can just “let it go” and seek another opportunity.
Ben Wagner (160)
Member The 365 Commitment
