06/12/2024
A Trained Mind Is Better Than Any Script
"In this way you must understand how laughable it is to say, 'Tell me what to do!' What advice could I possibly give? No, a far better request is, 'Train my mind to adapt to any circumstance.' ... In this way, if any circumstances take you off script... you won't be desperate for prompting." ~Epictetus
One of my favorite leadership quotes of all time comes from a source you wouldn't expect... Mike Tyson. Iron Mike stated, "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face. Then, like a rat, they stop in fear and freeze."
You've probably heard the first half of that quote, but not necessarily the second. I hadn't, until recently. And it's the second half that is really the most telling part, as it brings home most people’s response when getting punched for the first time (literally or metaphorically), and stresses the importance of being the one to make the first strike or decision.
Leaders don't have the answers to or for everything, and that's okay. They're not overly concerned because they have the confidence and ability to adapt and change with the ebbs and flows of circumstances. Instead of leaning on the crutch of instruction and relying on the knowledge of another to be told what to do, they develop and cultivate their own frameworks for decision making through self-confidence and ingenuity.
Today, be resilient instead of rigid. Develop your skills. It's better to be trained than simply given.
Semper Gumby - Always Flexible