343: greatness cannot be planned

My take-a-way after reading, Why Greatness Cannot be Planned by Kenneth O. Stanley and Joel Lehman.

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We're all chasing something, yet very few of us truly know what it is. Influenced by those who seem to have it all figured out — CEOs, coaches, entrepreneurs, and visionaries — we idolize their journeys, believing their paths serve as perfect blueprints for our own. This perspective leads us to believe that greatness is the result of a clear, deliberate plan, but what if that isn't the whole truth?

The reality is, life often doesn't adhere to strict plans. True greatness — whether in life, innovation, or personal growth — is rarely the product of rigid objectives. Instead, it emerges from the unpredictable interplay of exploration, curiosity, and stepping stones we didn't anticipate. These unexpected discoveries, far removed from our original intentions, often lead to horizons we couldn't have imagined.

The very act of chasing what we think we want may limit our potential. When we overly focus on a single objective, we risk becoming blind to the detours and creative opportunities that could lead us to something even greater. As "Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned" argues, progress is not a straight line; it's a dynamic process shaped by exploration and adaptability. The stepping stones we encounter — the novel ideas, experiences, or people — are often far more valuable than the destination we originally envisioned.

So, while it's tempting to chart a rigid course toward a specific future, we should remember that the most transformative journeys are often the ones where we allow curiosity and the present moment to guide us. By embracing uncertainty and following the trail of what feels novel or promising now, we open ourselves to futures that surpass anything we could have planned. Greatness, it turns out, thrives not in certainty, but in the willingness to wander.