When we’re grinding away, it’s easy to lose perspective. Sometimes though, we need to step away from the situation, and take a bird’s eye view.
A fresh look, from a different angle, might just help us see the previously unseen, including our friend’s perspective. And, that could make all the difference.
It’s always there, coming with the signal we are listening out for. If we do not focus on the signal, the noise might lead us astray, and we might even forget why we’re engaging the signal in the first place, or our job is delayed.
On the other hand, the noise might be telling us some things we ought to know. Things about the signal and the context that are useful for our purpose.
So we need to be present in the conversation, but also maintain awareness of the noises, both internal and external.
Water flows on its own, adapting to the terrain. It creates a path for itself, always prevailing as it spreads life.
I have found the same with rest and work. When you stop pushing against your body, forcing your way, it starts to work for you. Stays healthy for you, prioritises what’s important so you can be at your best when awake.
How much more cups of water we can drink, and enjoy, when we allow the body to do what it must. The body knows what is important, and the body is you.
I listened to a podcast episode recently on how goal-setting can not only drive you to achieve that goal, but also limits you to that goal. So while it gives you purpose in the moment, you could be shortchanging your potential.
So, what then, are we to do? Is a bigger goal the answer? Surely a bigger goal is nothing but a higher limit, and thus cannot be. What we can do, instead, is to set us up to get better at what we choose to do. To focus on improvement, and to challenge whatever limit we think there is.
The 4 minute mile was a limit, until it wasn’t anymore. So was the 10-second 100m dash. Humans have proven we can go further, if we choose to believe that the limits are just yesterday’s best, and we can be better.
Should you do it just because you must, or should there be other reasons to push you to action? That’s the question as I wrestle with putting fingers to the keyboard.
Of course, one can wait for inspiration, but writing is also thinking. So if writing is thinking, it can never be a mindless rant.
So ends my rant.
Random Walks 