RE-DEFINE THE STATUS QUO AND UNLOCK NEW POSSIBILITIES

In my last blog post, I shared my views on how human beings have a natural propensity to grow, progress and aspire to the next level (Ref 1a). We all want to grow but sometimes we don't or the cost is too high.

In yet another post, I challenged us to challenge the standards we live by and used the example of a 330ml Can of Coke to illustrate how we can set new standards and achieve success on our own terms. The road to achievement is full of hardwork and pain that can only be overcomed by those who really believe in the goal (Ref 1b).

But what if we cannot see the growth opportunities in front of us?

What if we have done so well that we just do not know how to grow and to where?

What if the  borrowed standards we have been living by are so deep rooted that by our own vices, we feel disempowered to challenge them?

Are there any tools or framework that can help us embark on this journey of meaningful growth even where we feel we have limited growth opportunities?

Under Jack Welch, General Electric (GE) revisited its vision and sought to be either number 1 or 2 in every industry they operated in. They fixed, sold and closed business which were not in line with this vision but sooner or later, a side-effect would emerge: GE was dominating most of the industries it operated in and IT BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GROW!!

To generate growth, they first had to see it in their mind; thus thinking differently was a requirement.

In his book, "Jack: Straight From the Gut", Jack Welch recalls asking his executives to re-define each of the industries they operated in, such that their current market shares were below 10%.

THE STATUS QUO WAS REDEFINED AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES EMERGED.

One of the most resilent people you can come across are the US Navy Seals. These are human beings trained to do the impossible and often, they do it.

In trying to understand the special breed of people, Jesse Itzler traced a retired Navy Seal and asked to stay with him for a month (Ref 2a). The result was a lesson on the 40% rule. It turns out that the Navy Seals are trained to believe that when you say you have reached your ultimate limit....in truth, you have reached only 40% of your ability.

The Navy Seals RE-DEFINE THE STATUS QUO AND UNOCK NEW POSSIBILITIES!

You and I need to do the same. We need to redefine our boundaries and think differently about the status quo.

What we have achieved financially, is just 10%.
- if you aimed to be South African Rand millionaire, redefine the currency and aim to be a US$ millionaire.

What we have achieved in our careers is just 10%:
- if you are a CEO of a national company, redefine the geography and aim to be a CEO of a regional company.

What we have achieved in our businesses is just 10%:
- if you are a Cookie business supplying the 10km radius around you, redefine your status quo and reach out a 100km radius.

What we have achieved in our families and relationships is just 10%:
- if you call your wife once during the day and play sports with your kids once every quarter, redefine the situation and do 10 times more.

What you have achieved in our studies, health and spiritual life is just 10%:
- we can do more.

Like the US Navy Seals, we can do much more than we think we can. But first, we need to see things differently....think differently!

The big fish in a small pond is ready to jump into the sea.

IT IS NOW TIME TO RE-DEFINE THE STATUS QUO AND UNLOCK NEW POSSIBILITIES!

©GC Diaries

References:
1a - http://gc-diaries.blogspot.co.za/2017/01/not-all-progress-is-progressive-not-all.html?m=1

1b - http://gc-diaries.blogspot.co.za/2017/01/set-your-own-standards-achieve-success.html?m=1)

2a - http://uk.businessinsider.com/navy-seal-david-goggins-jesse-itzler-reserve-tank-2016-11?r=US&IR=T