[Week 24.11] Every Now and Then

Every so often, I hear leaders express their exasperation with the burden of quarterly reports and their longing for the freedom of long-term planning. I can certainly relate to this sentiment – there's an undeniable allure in envisioning the future unfettered by the demands of the present moment. In the corporate world, the relentless focus on short-term performance can compel leadership to make decisions that prioritize immediate results over long-term growth strategies, especially when these strategies require temporary sacrifices. Yet, this very tension lies at the heart of leadership – the delicate art of charting a course for the future while simultaneously navigating the currents of the here and now.

Navigating this balance between the present and the future is not unique to the boardroom; it is an inescapable aspect of life itself. While I may not be beholden to the rigors of five-year plans or the scrutiny of quarterly reports, I am nonetheless faced with the constant need to align my day-to-day actions with my larger aspirations. When I become too consumed by the minutiae of the present, I can certainly accomplish a great deal, but I risk losing sight of the broader horizon. Conversely, if I spend too much time gazing wistfully towards distant dreams, I cease to make meaningful progress, losing inertia. It's a delicate dance, akin to the rhythm of swimming laps – powering through with focused strokes, only to periodically lift my gaze above the surface to ensure I'm still swimming toward my intended destination.

Like the CEO of a publicly traded company, we must all find our unique equilibrium between the immediacy of the present and the aspirations of the future. During our recent visit to Nashville, we witnessed remarkable performers at the Grand Ole Opry who wake up each day clinging to the dream of the song that will propel them to stardom. Yet, alongside this lofty ambition, they steadfastly do the work required to sustain their careers, day in and day out. Doing the work of the present while keeping an eye fixed on the future is necessary if one's ambition is to achieve greatness. Finding the right balance of strength and humility, of ambition and realism, is one of life's and leadership's greatest challenges.

Inevitably, we must forge our own unique path, carefully calibrating our lofty aspirations with the practical realities of the present moment. It is a delicate dance that demands patience, perseverance, and a keen awareness of our priorities and values. Let's face it – the journey to the future is paved with the actions of the present. In the skill of orienteering, we must know both where we want to go and accurately identify where we are now. We cannot reach the "then" without first addressing the "now." You can't get there without starting from here. You never arrive at "then" without navigating the trials and tribulations of "now." In this ever-shifting landscape of life and leadership, harmonizing tomorrow's aspirations with today's demands emerges as a paramount skill.

To truly thrive in this dance between the present and the future, we need to cultivate a deep sense of mindfulness and intentionality. It is not enough to simply react to the demands of each day as they arise; we must approach our actions with a clear understanding of how they align with our larger vision and goals. Conversely, our dreams and aspirations cannot exist in a vacuum, divorced from the realities of our current circumstances. They must be grounded in a clear-eyed assessment of our resources, capabilities, and challenges. Ultimately, the path to success lies in striking a delicate balance, a harmony between the urgency of the present and the promise of the future. Life and leadership is a constant calibration, a never-ending process of adjustment and course correction. But for those who can master this art, the rewards are immense – a life and a legacy that resonates with purpose, authenticity, and a deep sense of fulfillment for ourselves and for those we love and lead.

With love, gratitude and wonder.
Scott