The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur

March 16See More Clearly

The wisest person preaches no doctrines; they have no scheme; they see no rafter, not even a cobweb, against the heavens. It is clear sky. If I ever see more clearly at one time than at another, the medium through which I see is clearer.

Henry David Thoreau—A Week on the Concord and Merrimack Rivers (1849)

When all we can see is the ultimate course of success in achieving our audacious plans, everyday victories seem meaningless.

The medium clouds our view and puts obstacles in our way—at least that's how it feels—but growing science in the field of achievement suggests another somewhat counterintuitive culprit shields us from reaching our ultimate objective.

And in the words of Robert Brault, author of Round Up the Usual Subjects, “We are kept from our goal not by obstacles but by a clear path to a lesser goal.”

This seems like a decent time to invoke a translation of Tao Te Ching—“The journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one's feet.”

It's not a terribly sexy idea but to improve, start with one step, get just a little better today, and do the same tomorrow, and the next day. Use this practice over time and you will start to see more clearly the place at which you wish to arrive.

Challenge Question

1. What is one action you can take today that will lead you toward achieving your most important goal?