Like boulders on a train track, there is no shortage of obstacles — problems, difficulties, hindrances, complications, hurdles or stumbling blocks can limit your success. Expect anything less and you live with an unrealistic expectation.
In railroading, there is a device at the front of a locomotive used to deflect obstacles from hitting the engine. Preventing potential derailment, the pilot pushes obstacles upward and sideways to clear the track. It’s also called a “cowcatcher” … think about it.
Two perspectives
If you write your story only focused on the past you may get stuck with, “If only…” thinking. Draft your story with only the future in mind and fear-inspired hurdles may obstruct your progress, as you mumble, “What if…?”
Personal growth comes from reflection on the past and consideration of the future while in pursuit of truth in order to take action. Truth arrives as feedback, experience, success, and failure. Embracing reality (truth) permits you to write today the story you want to tell tomorrow.
What about future success?
The best predictor of future success is the ability and willingness to learn and change achieved through consistent reflection on truth found in the Story. Which of these attributes have you demonstrated?
- Ability – intelligence, competence, and the power to engage, you are able
- Willingness – a readiness to do something, whether out desperation or opportunity; willingness to engage
- Learn – acquiring new skills
- Change – become different; replace behavior(s) that don’t work
Your success today means you have exhibited all of these qualities. But the secret to accelerated future success is consistent reflection. The focus is on truth in the Story, not just what happened. The main obstacle to such a disciplined practice is the pace of life.
It’s a paradox: to fast track your leadership development, you must create space for reflection. The boulders of “too busy” lay on the railroad track — busyness that can obstruct your success.
Like the “pilot” on a locomotive shoving obstacles out of the way, creating space to think clears obstacles for performance improvement and better relationships.
Where is your focus? When do you create space to pursue truth in your story?
Here’s to your Next Level,
Steve
Years ago someone told me, “You can’t should’ve.” I’ve had to remind myself of that often since then. I can’t take back what I thought, said, or did yesterday; but, today I can choose well. Thanks, Steve!
So true, Miriam … that’s a new phrase and to the point: “You can’t, I should’ve…” Thanks for adding to the conversation and all you do in your work!
Excellent perspective and inspirational, too.
Thank you Shannon!