2017: Potential and a Desire to Unleash It

About a year ago, I started a journey of discovery. And it began with some questions. What are we put on Earth to do? What is the source of happiness? What potential do I possess? What is my purpose?

As you might imagine, these questions led to a lot of introspection. I thought about my family, friends, colleagues and clients and how the endeavors that I undertook were important to them as well as myself. Often, I would reflect on this when everything was going well or I was just feeling happy. But this introspection didn’t always occur at joyous or peaceful moments. Sometimes I would think of these things when under the pressure of a looming deadline or while juggling multiple projects simultaneously.

When I stepped back and considered the big picture, along with the help of a trusted colleague (that's you, Matt), I started to understand that all the elation and torment of my life was connected. And this increased understanding and self-awareness led to something bigger. I discovered the conviction that drives me today: I believe in potential and desire to unleash it.

I’m speaking of my potential, of course, but also the potential that resides in others. And I'm extremely lucky that I've found the outlets and opportunity to unleash this potential. Believe me, it makes it a lot easier to roll out of bed in the morning and go.

But still, it’s not always easy. When you are constantly pushing for more or advocating for change to reach this potential, it can be extremely frustrating. It is hand-to-hand psychological combat. You learn quickly that there isn’t always a straight line to your goal. Sometimes you have to zig and zag to get where you know you need to go. You also learn that some people will never understand or comprehend what you see or believe. It is a tough road, but one I believe is worth it.

One of the ways I overcome the negativity or frustration that can creep in is to take a step back and read a book or watch something on Netflix that seems completely unrelated to the task at hand. Occasionally, I talk with people outside of the situation. I don't approach them with a specific problem to discuss, I just attempt to learn from what they are saying at that moment — simply being present. This may sound odd to some, because how can merely listening to others talk help solve a problem or challenge we are having? Well, it can. Try it.

Our brains are vast networks of information with myriad pathways. There is almost always another approach — you just haven't thought of it yet. Listening to others, or reading or watching something unrelated in moments of frustration, I believe, helps me find ideas I hadn't considered yet. Often, this is the key to unlocking my own potential and finding the solution was right in front of me.

In 2017, I'm going to do more listening, and I encourage you to try this approach, too. It’s my path to understanding and achieving my potential and those that I serve.