The Long Game
Its so easy to get caught up in today. We all do it and we all do it every day. What are we having for dinner tonight? How much money will be in the bank at the end of this week? What's on my "to do" list today? What's happening right now? To quote the late great Robin Williams from the brilliant movie Dead Poets Society, "...these are all noble pursuits, and necessary to sustain life. But we do we stay alive for?" It takes real, concious effort to think about how what you are doing right now will affect you down the road and the importance of doing that cannot be overstated.
I am fortunate to be working for a company that is outstanding at long term thinking, and the benefits of that mindset are palpable and real every day - to the company as a whole, to its employees, its partners and its bottom line. I know the difference because the company I came from before this one was the polar opposite. Everyone thought only of what was best for that day or how that month end would look. It was exhausting. So much time was spent making sure that a single month looked good that endless oppourtunities were wasted, people and their potential contributions were ignored, and possible avenues of real growth were never taken. It was the untimate example of collective smallmindedness.
We all have things that need to be done this very moment. That will never change and those things are important, but taking a moment to ask yourself how your present plans might look down the road is an invaluable skill and a use of your time that will always pay off!
WA is a great example of that and so many of you in the community are very good at it. For you new folks, please don't only look at what the next training is or what the next step is - remember to look further ahead. You may find that you have to alter your plans or actions - never be afraid to do that. It will definitely be worth it!
Have a wonderful day everyone!
P.S. If you've never seen Dead Poets Society - watch it!
Recent Comments
2
"Oh, Captain, my Captain!" An excellent movie, Earl! I tend to agree with your assessment to a current extent, but am mired in the day-to-day thinking by current situations both in the world which has devolved into a cesspool, and my own personal life which is not nearly at its best!
I have learned to make the most of each day! There is never a tomorrow, because if we are blessed enough to wake up, it is always today! That is how I survive to get through each new day that I am blessed with! It is how I have made it through 30 years in business in November of this year!
My long term behind the scenes plans concern my books which I work on constantly, and are my true passion!
I know that small steps will get me to where I wish to be, without the added stress of planning for a long term which might not even come! It is enough for me to put out the daily fires!
This is an excellent post, and long-term works for a lot of people. Right now, I am not one of those, but I can certainly appreciate what you are saying!
Have an excellent day!
Jeff