Top of the jet-lagged morning (or whatever it is where you’re reading this) to you. I’m literally in the Multiverse after a recent 14 hour Dubai - New York flight.
Let’s get to it - however, instead of the normal puzzle, I’m gonna reinterpret a Zen story I heard a long time ago:
A Westerner travels a long way to find a famous Zen master famed for being over 110 years old and still in perfect health.
After finally reaching him, he asks him: “Wise one, how did you manage to get to this age in such good form?”
To which the Zen master replies: “I have never disagreed with anyone in my life.”
The Westerner is shocked: “Everyone disagrees with things or people during their lifetime. It’s just how things are. It’s impossible not to do it. It’s utterly absurd.”
What do you think the Zen master replied to this?
An answer, as usual, at the end.
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Find your greatness - and what you suck at
They say you should find your niche, your talent, your unique skillset.
Find what you love and let it kill you - that’s a phrase I’ve heard way too many times.
However, I’d present a different challenge. Instead of finding what you’re good at, find what you suck at.
Find the things that you simply cannot do. Your so called boundaries.
Those are easier to discover and managing them will often make your life way, way better. A lot of us know what we’re good at, but few of us understand the things we simply cannot do.
I’m utterly horrible and the operational side of a business - admin, paperwork, invoicing, accounting and all that. I understand it’s value though, so I always make sure to work with people who help me overcome my demon.
Even the most brilliant people I know are often unable to see their own boundaries. I unfortunately know far too many entrepreneurs who think they’re great marketers, product people, tech people, HR people and operations people at the same time.
9.9 times out of 10, they’re not.
More often than not, they’re good at two of those things at best.
Knowing your limits is more important than knowing your talents. It’ll help you know when to ask for help, when to recruit or when to outsource.
Thinking you’re the best at everything is most likely the secret to royally fucking up.
Answer: The Zen master ponders the Westerner’s reply and says: “You’re perfectly right.”