Don’t Get Captured

Since flow is the optimal state of human consciousness that delivers peak performance and wellbeing, why would anyone devote any time or attention to anything else?

The answer is: because most people don’t ask any questions. We were all raised in a culture of compliance, so most people just comply. The offer is “I give you money, and you do what I say,” and most of us say “I’ll take it.”

If the people paying the money are highly competent and conscientious, that tends to work out fine. Is that the case where you work? Walk into a corporate management meeting, and propose a shift in strategy that prioritizes conscience and integrity over compliance and shareholder value, and let me know how that goes.

Is your boss competent? Do they know how to create the conditions for peak performance in the workplace? Do they help you show up with unshakable faith in yourself, audacity in the face of uncertainty, and integrity in the face of distraction? Is your boss conscientious? Are they their most authentic, most courageous, most extraordinary selves? Do they follow their conscience, no matter the obstacle and no matter the sacrifice?

Of the people who say “I’ll give you money, and you do what I say,” how many of them are highly competent and conscientious? In my 30 years of working in corporate environments, it’s less than 5%. Maybe 2 or 3 out of 100, 4 if we’re being very generous. Do you want to be captured by a culture that does not prioritize conscience, integrity, or peak performance? Or would you rather bet on yourself? You’re all-in either way.

So what is the best strategy to create the future that you envision for yourself and your loved ones? Is it compliance? Sacrificing your talent, time, and attention for someone else’s priorities and plans? What if you devote your time and attention to your authentic, nonnegotiable priorities? What if you devote your time and attention to developing the skills, making the sacrifices, and taking the leaps of faith that are necessary to transform your talent into peak performance and wellbeing? Does that sound like a strategy you can put your shoulder into? Might that just be the most effective possible strategy?

Be the hero of your own journey. Follow your conscience, no matter the obstacle and no matter the sacrifice. Never surrender your quest to transform all of your talent into skill and peak performance. Don’t get captured.