MSS #067: Is your obsession with discovering ‘how’ you will achieve your dreams, stopping you from embarking on the journey?

MSS #067: Is your obsession with discovering ‘how’ you will achieve your dreams, stopping you from embarking on the journey?

20 April, 2024

🕒Read time: 2.6 minutes

🚀 In a rush? Skip to “The Dilemma of Detail” – Reduced read time: 1.5 minutes.

Embarking on a new venture can feel like setting sail into uncharted waters.

The vast expanse of the unknown looms before us, and the urge to map out every detail can be overwhelming.

But is that always the best course of action?

In this edition of Saturday Solace, we delve into the delicate dance between careful planning and the liberating act of just beginning. Let’s navigate these waters together.

The Balance of Knowing and Discovering

When we stand at the threshold of a new idea or project, the logical side of our minds urges us to plan meticulously. Yet, there’s a whisper of adventure that suggests we leap into the fray and learn through trial and error.

I love a detailed plan and have created many for business plans, new products, entering new markets and so much more. In some situations and roles this can be appropriate.

But I ask you to check in with yourself, if you are about to embark on another plan.

Does this need a plan at this stage?

Is it even possible to know all the stages that might come up?

Is an outline good enough?

This now is the biggy,

Am I just doing this, because I know how to plan and this is my safety zone that I can bury myself in, avoiding the perils of doing, or even starting?

Now we are getting to the crux of this week’s newsletter.

The famous quote,

“No plan survives first contact with the enemy.”

comes to mind, attributed to Prussian Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke the Elder and Prussian General Carl von Clausewitz.

This to me epitomises to what extent is a plan of “how” to achieve an outcome useful.

The Dilemma of Detail

A detailed plan promises a sense of security, a shield against the unpredictable.

But it can also anchor us to the shore, preventing us from setting sail.

The fear of what lies ahead can become a paralysing force, chaining us to the planning phase with no end in sight.

Further questions for reflection:

To find the balance, ask yourself:

1. How clear is the outcome I want to achieve? – the outcome is the lighthouse that draws us to working out the “how”. This is where we should place most of our attention.

2. What is the real risk of starting without a detailed plan? – do you still need to explore a bit and discover at this stage?

3. What’s the simplest version of the plan that still allows progress? – just having an outline might be enough at this stage.

4. What’s the one first step that will take me in the right direction? – if you really suffer from procrastination, have a clear vision of the outcome you want, then ask yourself the question above.

Take action on next step.

Then ask yourself “What did I learn?” and the ask yourself again “What’s the next single step that will take me in the right direction?”

These questions serve as your compass, guiding you to a starting point that’s both safe and adaptable.

The Power of the Mind’s Vision

Our minds are extraordinary navigators. They don’t require a full itinerary; they thrive on the destination’s image. When we vividly envision the outcome we desire, our minds chart the course.

The reticular activating system (RAS) then becomes our lookout, scanning the horizon for opportunities that align with our goals.

Harnessing the RAS:

I am a great believer in having clarity on what it is we want to achieve. Have the outcome in mind as a picture with emotion attached.

Taking this approach, we can then “program” our reticular activating system (RAS), a tightly packed bunch of neurons in the base of our brain, responsible for targeting what we will focus on.

Use your RAS to discover and guide you, as to how you will achieve your desired outcome.

To set the RAS on its course, focus on:

• Visualising the destination: Paint a clear and compelling picture of your success.

• Emotional resonance: Link strong, positive emotions to your vision.

• Consistent reminders: Keep your goal at the forefront to maintain the RAS’s vigilance.

Summary

As we prepare to embark on our next journey, remember that the entire path need not be visible from the outset.

Sometimes, all it takes is the courage to hoist the sails and trust that the winds of intuition and experience will guide us to our desired haven.

Until our next rendezvous, happy ventures.

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That's it for this week. Thanks for reading, really hope this helped. Contact me if you think I can help you further at [email protected].

Happy thinking.