Eric is a great partner in dealing with leadership and management issues.
Doing What You Cannot Do
“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.” Pablo Picasso
I have a friend who lives in the U.S. because she and her family had to flee their home in Bosnia during the war there. Just a few weeks ago, she left her job in the mailroom of a major bank to take a job selling furniture in a retail store. She made this move despite the fact that she still struggles with the English language. “There are only about 20 English words or phrases that are unique to selling furniture,” she said to me. “I just started using those words and phrases, even though I didn’t know exactly what they meant. Over time, the words will begin to make sense.”
I am amazed by her courage and persistence. To thrive as a refugee, this woman has had to do many, many things before she understands exactly what she is doing. It is the only way for her to thrive. She intuitively understands that the most effective way to do something new is to begin doing it, even though you don’t exactly know how.
Performance Principle: To get ahead, we often have to do what we cannot do. This principle is a powerful one for us – if we put it into action. It can be tempting to hold off on a new job, a new product, a new business because we still have a lot to learn. A basis of knowledge is necessary before we act. If my friend spoke no English, she would never have gotten her new job. But once we have a basic knowledge, only ‘doing what we cannot do’ will give us the understanding we need to excel.
Here are some questions to consider:
- What is one thing you want to do or achieve in the next year that is outside your comfort zone?
- How can you break this issue down into small, doable steps?
- What are some small steps you can take right now toward this goal?
