I’ve been obsessed with cross-pollination for a long time. I’m not talking about plants; I’m talking about linking up with endeavors of different kinds. I have a lot of writer friends, and I value their insights and knowledge, but it occurred to me that all of us should be looking at other fields for inspiration and information, too. Why not? I believe some universal principles can guide us to success, and maybe we can tap into some of that by extending beyond the writing community. How about looking at successful people in the arts, history, or science? What are the guiding principles and strategies that have placed them at the top of their occupations?
In my article about Annie Leibovitz that was posted in ALLI a few years ago, I took a foray into the art of photography and connected it with the art of writing. I enjoyed that so much that I started looking for other possible connections. I didn’t expect to find exactly what I wanted about secrets to success in the financial world, but I did. I stumbled on Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge-fund firm, and here’s what caught my attention: “Without pursuing dreams, life is mundane.”
What writer can’t agree with that? Well, this one, for sure. But then he talks about what he calls hyper-realism. So, because I’m curious, if nothing else, I wanted to know what that means and what that does. He explains it as being a deep understanding, an acceptance, and being able to work with reality as it is and not as he wishes it were.
Okay. I got it. And I’m paying attention.
Later he gives what he says are his secrets to investing and managing money and—most importantly—getting through the next 24 hours. I can use all the help I can get when it comes to “getting through” another day and actually accomplishing something, too.
- Identify and face the problems, however painful, that stand in the way of your goals.
- Diagnose the root causes of these problems.
- Design a plan to get around these obstacles.
- Know your goals and run after them.
- Execute on your plan, pushing yourself to do whatever is needed.
Are these secrets to success universal enough?
I see why this man is so successful. He has a philosophy that is overarching, much larger than one that’s about making money. He spoke directly to me here: “You will lose something or someone you think you can’t live without. You might think your life is ruined and there’s no way to go forward. But it will pass. There’s always a best path forward; you just don’t see it yet.”
So writers, why not explore other domains and see what you come up with to help you along in this challenging world of writing and publishing?
6 comments:
This is great advice, Lee. It's always so helpful when someone's words really speak to you. What you learned is really true. Thanks for sharing it with the rest of us.
In other words, don't day dream, do something meaningful towards your goals.
Thanks for some inspiring information, Lee! I can use all the help I can get when it comes to "getting through" another day ~ lol! Dalio's secrets to success are definitely universal. I have learned that everything does pass, and when you look back on difficult challenges, you see they often made you stronger and your life better. I'm still pursuing dreams, and life has not been mundane!
Thanks, Natalie. I love to use writers as resources, but there are so many other talented people in other fields that it. seems we should be tapping into what they know and how they do what they do.
I don't discount daydreaming. I find it often recharges my list-making mind. :-)
From all I've read that you've posted...mundane is the last word I'd come up with.
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