“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.” – Robert Jordan
For much of my adult life, I believed that success required rigidity. As a latchkey kid from the #gen-x era, lacking supervision meant I had to maintain control to ensure my safety. And as I grew older, that translated into sticking to my principles and being inflexible.
Fortunately, with the guidance of therapists and friends, I discovered the power of meditation and the importance of embracing a more adaptable mindset, like a willow or bamboo. It was a challenging shift, contradicting my ingrained nature, but I persevered. Today, I can proudly say I am more flexible and open than ever before.
As a business owner, I recognized that the same principle applied. While being punctual and detail-oriented had its merits, my tightly structured lifestyle often caused me to miss out on spontaneous opportunities. As I got deeper into my meditation practice, I began to loosen up and understand that while structure is valuable, flexibility was vital for both my business’s growth and my personal well-being.
I introduced new techniques, expanded our services, and allowed others to take the lead when necessary. A great leader listens, adapts, and adjusts when the situation demands it.
Over the past year, I’ve come across numerous #web3 #founders who exhibit excessive rigidity, hindering the potential success of their projects. Embracing flexibility and active listening could greatly enhance their outcomes.