As I have become more familiar with the work and thinking of both Tim Ferriss and Josh Waitzkin, I can form a clear dichotomy between their writing. While both have an interest in attainment and skill acquisition, through Ferriss I see the embodiment of the Pareto principle to reach competency quickly, while with Waitzkin the focus is mastery.
About a year ago, a friend contacted me out of the blue as he was having a hard time busting out of a slump. He had been down for a couple of months and just could not seem to lift his spirits no matter how hard he tried. Through our discussion, it was clear he was exhibiting all the tell-tale signs of depression.
While positive psychology has contributed greatly to the psychology of goal attainment, at times the links between psychology and reaching one’s aspirations take a step too far. One cannot simply ‘think and grow rich’ as much as we might wish this to be so.
A problem in this domain of work is that too many psychologists in the executive coaching field are side-lining their credentials and adopting what they perceive as a softer title to describe their chosen field.
Many executives who I have coached have found time reflection exercises useful. The sheer act of thinking about time, and the attempt to comprehend it, is like opening a door that provides a glimpse at the extraordinary terms of our existence.
The impact of LKY’s thinking on me, as an expatriate in Singapore, has been profound. While I was aware of him prior to arriving in the country in 2013, it is only since my arrival that I have undertaken the readings required to develop a more detailed glimpse into his thinking.
Combining grit with the realisation that obstacles are part of the journey helps one to take a positive attitude to the challenges that are a part of life. Rather than being despondent about yet another challenge, it is an opportunity to further strengthen oneself and develop the required skill sets to perform at an even higher level.
While concentrated and focussed practice is a key to success, realising potential is only possible by the use of routine: a sequence of actions regularly followed. Routine is often the hard-working contributor to success that is overlooked.
The reality is that most of us have much to be grateful for. The mere fact that we are conceived and have the opportunity to experience the mystery of life is such a random event of astronomical proportions that gratitude is a very appropriate response!
On reflection I may not have taken enough time to establish for myself an internal basis for pricing my time. What is my internal guiding premise to how I value my efforts? By primarily relying on the market to set value I limit myself, by failing to think more deeply about how I value my chosen vocation and my time.
