Teetering to the edge of my favorite abyss

October 13, 2018 1:41 PM

There’s a brilliant translation of eastern divination texts that explores the relationship between over thinking and execution.

Cohen writes that initiative is the result of moving forward when we don’t know all the answers, leaping into the unknown that has a message of promise within it, and then turning it into something great by the very act of beginning.

Meaning, instead of hiding beneath the skin of our thinking, we simply begin the process of working out in reality what we have settled on in our mind. And that first step taken affords the opportunity to ride the wave of success.

Playing piano is the perfect example. Because as a veteran guitar player, my tendency when sitting down to an unfamiliar instrument is to try and think my way to the correct keys. To do the math and uncover the patterns and hear the notes inside my head first, then play.

But it’s actually much easier, much faster and much more satisfying to just start playing.

Without thinking. Without knowing. To simply press my bony fingers down on the ivories and see what happens.

Besides, what’s the worst case scenario? You’re never more than a half step away from a right note anyway. And so, if you end up on a wrong one, just stop off in either direction, and you’re right again.

Listen, you’ll have plenty of time to think later. For now, it’s all about movement. Because if you have any intention of getting your idea or project or business off the ground, you have to be careful not to do too much work inside your head.

You have to stop trying so hard to be certain.

Otherwise the conflict within you will cause a delay in action.

LET ME ASK YA THIS…

When was the last time you survived not knowing?

* * * *

Scott Ginsberg

That Guy with the Nametag

Author. Speaker. Strategist. Inventor. Filmmaker. Publisher. Songwriter.

[email protected]

www.nametagscott.com

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