Three Things I learned This Week
What do Chris Williamson, George Patton and Buddha have in common? Well, they taught me something valuable over last week.
13–19 April 24
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Chris Williamson
I’ve been listening to Modern Wisdom for a while now. Listening to people wiser than me helps my personal growth.
One day, I heard this quote spoken in his eloquent British accent. Now he may not be the first to say that quote, but I heard it on his podcast.
Williamson’s quote challenges the common tendency to seek quick fixes and shortcuts to success. I certainly have a lot of shame doing this. Instead of searching for external solutions or waiting for the perfect moment to begin, he tells us that the real magic lies in confronting the tasks and challenges we’ve been avoiding.
I hated how right he is.
Have I frequently delayed tasks because they seemed too difficult, daunting, or unpleasant? Yes. I have with over a decade of not writing because I was waiting for the right moment. For everyone else? Maybe it’s that project you’ve been meaning to start, the gym routine you keep saying you’ll begin next week, or the tough conversation you’ve been avoiding. The real magic such as the breakthroughs, the growth, the success, happens when we finally start.
Consider the example of a writer who dreams of publishing a book but struggles to overcome writer’s block. You know, me, for example. Rather than waiting for inspiration to strike or searching for the perfect writing environment, the writer discovers that the magic lies in sitting down and putting pen to paper. Even when it feels uncomfortable or challenging. As I confront my fear of failure and embrace the work I have been avoiding, I often unlock a creative flow and make progress towards the goal.
Similarly, in the realm of personal development, the genuine breakthroughs happen when we confront our fears and push through our comfort zones. It’s easy to stay stuck in a rut, avoiding the challenges that stand between us and our goals. The magic we desire awaits beyond discomfort.
From a factual standpoint, psychological research backs up this insight. Studies have shown that avoidance behaviors like procrastination or distraction often lead to increased stress and decreased productivity. By facing our fears and tackling the tasks we’ve been avoiding, we not only make progress toward our goals, but also build resilience and confidence.
After all, the work is the point.
Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.
Geroge Patton
I admit, I have a bit of a crush on this man.
General Patton was known for his strategic prowess and bold leadership style. Among his men, he empowered others. Rather than micromanaging every little thing, he was all about giving people the big picture and letting them figure out the nitty-gritty themselves.
This approach is often referred to as “mission command” or “empowered leadership.” In my current role in the military, I swear by this approach. It is based on the idea that individuals are most effective when given autonomy and trust. The lads know the ground better than you. They know their tools better than you. Offering guidance on what to achieve and then step back. They will surprise you by their how.
Take Patton’s approach during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. Instead of spelling out every single move for dealing with the German offensive, he just laid out the big goals and let his commanders figure out the rest. He also gave them autonomy to devise their own plans. As a result, his subordinate commanders surprised him, implementing creative tactics that ultimately helped turn the tide of the battle.
Similarly, in the business world, leaders who adopt Patton’s philosophy of empowerment often see remarkable results. Consider the case of a software development team tasked with creating a new product. Rather than prescribing specific coding techniques or project management methodologies, the team leader outlines the project goals and trusts the team members to collaborate and innovate. The result? Developers surprise their leader with innovative solutions and streamlined processes that exceed expectations.
From a factual standpoint, research in organizational psychology supports Patton’s philosophy. There’s some interesting research out there that confirms this. When people feel like they’re in control of their work and have the freedom to come up with their own solutions, they actually get more motivated and engaged. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, I’ve got this!” And then they surprise everyone away with their how.
Moreover, Patton’s approach has lead to many modern leadership principles. Some examples include servant leadership and transformational leadership. And he summarised it in one simple quote.
You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.
Buddha
Buddha implies that anger won’t result in universal retribution. No, the real punishment comes from the anger itself. It’s like this toxic force that eats away at us from the inside, messing with our peace of mind. This anger damages our relationships and inner enjoyment, pretty much everything that makes life good.
And you know what’s wild? It’s not just about how anger affects us, it’s also about how we deal with it. See, society might have consequences for angry outbursts, sure. However, what truly matters is our internal state when anger consumes us. That’s where the real punishment lies.
So, what can we do about it? First, we must acknowledge that anger is not a righteous weapon. Despite our desires, it is never a weapon. Just no. Once we get that, we can start working on keeping our cool when things get heated.
Think about it like this: imagine you’re in a crowded room and someone accidentally steps on your toe. Is your initial reaction to react angrily? Take a breath and try to understand the anger. Suddenly, that anger loses its power over you, and you’re free to move on without carrying that weight around.
However, neglecting anger is unwise. As a mid 30-year-old man, I have only recently really tried to understand my emotions. Therapy taught me anger has a reason, but often we miss the full picture. So let that anger exist. Just do not act on it.
And hey, it’s not always easy. Anger’s a tricky thing, and it can sneak up on us when we least expect it. But if we practice self-awareness, we can see those anger traps coming and sidestep them before they trip us up.
So, next time you feel anger bubbling up inside you, remember what Buddha said: “You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.” Take a breath, let it go, and watch as that toxic energy loses its hold over you.
See you next week for another reflection on the week’s learnings.
