Do you ever find yourself struggling with an issue, running up against the same figurative walls over and over with no progress? A client recently shared this Buddhist analogy that really resonates.
Imagine that you are alone in a boat in the ocean and trying to reach a destination. When you row your boat, you have lots of control over the direction of movement and the amount of effort you put in – but no control over currents or wind. You can row as hard and as long as you want, but if the current or wind doesn't cooperate you won't make much progress (and you'll wear yourself out in the process).
Now imagine that, in addition to your oars, your boat also has a sail. Sailing allows you to go farther with less effort, but the tradeoff is that you have to work with what's there. You have to make use of the wind & current conditions in the moment, adjusting frequently and perhaps taking a very circuitous path.
There is a time & place for both approaches. Sometimes those oars are exactly what you need and the extra effort is worth it. And sometimes you have to go with the flow, working with the existing conditions (even if they aren't exactly what you want).
When you notice that you've been putting a ton of effort into something but not getting the results you want, take a moment to consider whether you've been rowing too hard when you should have been sailing. Is there a new way to look at the same problem? Does someone else have an idea that you haven't considered? Is turning left, right, or even backwards better than pushing ahead?
Happy sailing!
What are your thoughts on this? I'd love your feedback. Drop me email to let me know.
Thanks,
Timothy Iseler, CFP®
Founder & Lead Advisor
Iseler Financial, LLC | Durham NC | (919) 666-7604
Iseler Financial helps creative professionals remove stress while taking control of their financial lives. We'll help identify your current strengths and weaknesses, clarify and refine your long-term goals, and prioritize decisions to improve your financial well-being now and later. Reach out today to take the first step.
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