The best advice I ever received came from the book, “The Art of Possibility” by Ben and Rosamund Zander. It goes like this:
“Don’t take yourself so damn seriously!” (aka, ‘Rule #6′)
I remember thinking, “How did they know!!!” (Yes, three exclamation points.)
The second best piece of advice I ever received was to see a therapist.
Doing so is how I learned make the space to apply the best advice I ever received.
I don’t believe that therapy is the only path to follow but it worked for me and it continues to pay dividends.
I’m not fixed or finished, by any means. I’m a work in progress and will forever be. It’s just that the time and energy I invested in clearing a path to understanding has made it possible for me to reduce my self-interest, my selfishness, my neediness and my need for control.
That reduction has forever changed the quality of my relationships, my capacity for understanding and empathy, my openness to new experiences. It has increased my sense of humor and my perspective. It has encouraged my acceptance of everything that’s beyond my control and a deeper commitment to everything that is.
And that’s what motivates my work today. I understand what’s possible and I want it for others. And for the people they lead. Especially for them.
DAVID BERRY is the author of “A More Daring Life: Finding Voice at the Crossroads of Change” and the founder of RULE13 Learning. He speaks and writes about the complexity of leading in a changing world. Connect with him on Twitter at @berrydavid.
