For over two decades, I have pursued business success in traditional terms: titles, money, and accolades. Each time I reached a goal, it made me happy, but only for a while. The joy was always fleeting, and soon, I found myself pursuing the next milestone, caught in an endless cycle of temporary satisfaction.
During my journey, I also searched for the purpose and meaning of my life. I often wondered what it was all for. The clarity I gained over years of searching Alan Watts beautifully articulates in his video; Life is Like Music (link is here). Watts's message is crystal clear and so compelling: the purpose of being alive is to live. It is beautifully simple.
I see my life as a river where I'm the captain of my ship. Instead of sailing ferociously upstream as I used to, I put my effort into steering my ship (my life) safely downstream. This shift in perspective has profoundly transformed my approach to business and life.
Here are three ways I now steer my ship downstream in business:
1. Focus on Win-Wins: I look for business opportunities where everyone benefits. It makes work more satisfying and relationships stronger.
2. Respect Different Paths: I've stopped trying to convince people who want to take a different route (I'm still working on this one). Sometimes, this means ending the conversation or business dealings altogether. It saves a lot of frustration for everyone involved and allows me time for other projects.
3. Keep It Light: I try not to take business too seriously. Doing business is like trading sticks and stones as a kid. I have just upped the stakes as an adult.
Living and doing business like this has brought more ease and opportunities to enjoy the present moment, which is all we really have. Don't get me wrong. I actively steer my ship downstream to avoid the rocks life puts in my way.
My approach is not about passively letting life happen to me. It is about actively choosing where I invest my time, energy, and resources. By flowing with the stream instead of fighting against it, I experience a deeper sense of peace and contentment.
As busy businesspeople, getting caught up in the relentless pursuit of success can be easy. However, I urge you to step back and consider the river of your life.
Are you actively steering your boat down stream or relentlessly trying to paddle upstream?
What small change can you make today to make life feel more like going with the flow rather than against it?
Please feel free to email me with your thoughts. I would love to hear your perspective.
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