Success impulse: There are always 1000 reasons against it
There may be 1000 reasons against the implementation of a project. But time and again, such projects are nevertheless implemented. Why? Because it's hard and because we can.
A few weeks ago I spontaneously took the train over the Bernina Pass to Italy for two days. The Bernina mountain line is part of the UNESCO World Heritage, as one of only three railroad lines worldwide. Switzerland in particular has a large number of fascinating railroad lines, all of which have one thing in common: purely rational economic reasons could hardly ever justify their construction (exceptions prove the rule). What was needed was the sometimes obsessive passion of individuals, combined with a firm belief in the possibilities and in doing something good for the respective region. And for the whole thing to be economically viable, it needs ongoing marketing, often even worldwide.
1000 reasons against
My point is this: at any point in time, there have certainly been 1000 reasons NOT to do the project. And yet it was done. Why? Because it's hard, and because we can. And because it ultimately does good, at least in the perception of the originators. We can think it's crazy, or we can think it's irresponsible. But it's exactly this kind of mindset, combined with passion and perseverance, that moves us forward. We can, of course, argue about the direction.
How you can create great things
What does that look like in your company? You don't see much of this "winning spirit" in most of them. Instead, we get discouraged very quickly by reasons not to. Here are three foundations for creating truly great things at your company, too:
- Passion. What are you and your team obsessed with (in a positive sense)? What do you believe in with all your soul? This passion can be generated (even passionate golfing is not innate). The reality: in most teams and companies I see task fulfillment instead of true passion.
- Courage. The legendary former Swiss Federal Councillor Adolf Ogi always likes to talk about the "windows of opportunity" that need to be seized in major projects. This requires not only passion but also the courage to move forward as soon as such a "window" opens. Instead, many leaders prefer to wait (or have another analysis done). The window then closes again.
- Battle. Yes, for the realization of great projects and also for every outstanding success you need a certain fighting spirit. By the way, this can be expressed in very different ways (if you think of Mahatma Gandhi, for example). In too many companies, I see instead indifference and the fear of getting one's hands dirty.
My appeal is: Use reasons that speak against your idea as fuel to really step on the gas now. Of course, this assumes that your idea will do something good for others.
To the author:
Volkmar Völzke is a success maximizer. Book author. Consultant. Coach. Speaker. www.volkmarvoelzke.ch
