I wrote the following post some time ago, but I think it bears re-posting today:
So many principles, so little time:). Seriously, I want to tackle
the 90/10 principle (10% is the unexpected good or bad, 90% is what you
choose) in relation to our life and career.
For many years I was told by mentors and colleagues that the 90/10
rule was important. In the early years, I didn't want to have the
responsibility for 90% of my life. It seemed so permanent to face the
consequences of my choices. And I certainly didn't like the idea of
the 10%. Who wants to be at the mercy of the unexpected?
It was about 10 years ago that I really became conscious of the
principle. So much so that it now is a part of my culture. I use the
term conscious because unconscious living leads to incongruent values
(I say exercise is important, but I never do it) or plain old
hypocrisy. No judgment here, but you need to be awake.
Here's why you need to embrace the 90/10 rule:
- You must embrace, because the 90/10 rule embraces you. Like it or not.
- When you embrace, your leadership quality goes way up. All of sudden you think before you act.
- You must tame the beast inside. Call it misplaced ambition,
preoccupation with the opinions of others or greed. When you realize
that 90% of life is what you choose, you'll think twice about walking
all over your co-workers. - You'll begin to think about your foundation. Is it sand or stone? When the unexpected comes what will keep you anchored?
- Embracing the rule will simplify things. It won't make life easy,
but it will make you decide what's most important in career and life. - You'll make the breakthrough to realizing that no one/organization
can make you happy. Happiness is a choice (there's that 90% again) and
only you can make this one. - You'll stop being afraid of your destiny and get on with the mission.
- The Oscar for best motion picture should be your life.
Don't awaken to an accidental career or life.
Marc,
Great insights, and a great exercise to try as well.
Eric, this reminds me of an exercise I do regularly..I call it the “waiting room”
Before I speak to issues that are deeply important to me..I step into my waiting room and ask three questions:
How important is this to me (values)
How do I feel, therfore..
How will I connect