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Today’s intention is:
To remain patient.
Life is incredible, now.
Why hurry it along?
The 10-year concept
Kevin rings my cell while I’m at the gym. We hadn’t spoken in weeks.
“Hey man, what’s the latest?” I ask.
“It’s been a challenging week. Let’s just say I’m in need of some patience.”
“Ahh, patience. Think we can all use more of that. What kind are you looking for?”
Kevin started a business 9 months ago. He’s raising the standard for in-building air quality across the country, possibly the globe. It’s a bit of an undertaking.
“Things aren’t moving fast enough. I thought we’d be further along.”
“Feels like that’s always the case, huh. Well, are you enjoying the work?” I ask.
“Absolutely. We’ve landed meetings with some incredible organizations. We have new partners coming on board and continue to improve the product. I never thought I’d be doing this kind of stuff, Bob.”
“Man, that sounds awesome. So if you’re still doing it 10 years from now, would you be happy?”
“Of course!” He responds.
“Well, that’s a long time. When considering it, still think you aren’t moving fast enough?”
10 years is a humbling number. It’s a number that requires more than passion and a good idea to reach.
It requires commitment, consistency, and perseverance.
It requires staying power.
I think of this number when I look at my pursuit as an author, creator, and student of intention.
Instead of dwelling on how many readers I have or the money I make, I dwell on the consistency of my actions. I circle around the idea that if I’m doing this 10 years from now, I’ll have earned something special.
As you judge your own progress, be it regarding your health, relationships, work, or creative pursuit, consider that humbling number.
If 10 years from now, you’re still hacking away, will today’s perceived progress or lack thereof matter?
The game may be longer than expected. Remain patient and don’t quit.
Instead, pause, persist, and enjoy the experience.
This life you only live once.
Stop reading books. Learn them.
This post got some LinkedIn love so sharing it here, too.
Two ideas that can help you learn books:
- Read the good ones twice
- Summarize them in a Google Doc or Slide Presentation
Here is one on Ryan Holiday's Ego is the Enemy to see how I do it. I break down the book into three slides and endcap the pres with a Summary and Conclusion slide.
I use as much of the author's actual language as possible including quotes I really want to remember.
Like this one from Holiday,
"...reading is a shortcut. A way to get where you want to get without having to learn by painful trial and error. As leaders, what we’re reading is leading us — and saving us."
That's a strong incentive. And it sounds right to me.
Until next week,
Don’t wait. Start small. Learn as you go.
🙏🧡🤘
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Feeling extra intentional? Listen to the Student of Intention Podcast on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
You're old enough to stop rushing