Have you ever played tug-o-war with a dog?
It’s a favourite in our house. My dog will strut on over with the remnants of another toy and offer it to me with absolutely no intention of letting go. If I don’t take it straight away, she shakes it toward me again.
So I play along. I take the toy and the war begins, neither of us willing to let go.
Feet sliding on the floor, butts wagging in the air (the dog’s, not mine).
There is rarely a winner and the game will only stop when said toy is ripped again.
Sound familiar?
When you get an idea that excites you, you want to play with it.
You want to find out of it will work and you get excited about the impact this could have on you, your clients and your business. It’s one of those ideas that tickles your heart and you get goosebumps just thinking about it.
So you offer it up for consideration to your other half, your logic. That part of you that can serve you so well, but also keep you from doing what you truly want.
Your logic is a little apprehensive at first. They’ve seen this all before. Another idea thrust upon them with excitement and vigour. So she plays along. And the war begins, neither side willing to let go.
You adore your idea and you really want to make it happen.
Logic rolls her eyes as she works out a strategy to keep you safe. “Here we go again,” she sighs.
Logic is getting pretty good at this game. She’s worked out exactly what to say to plant the seeds of doubt. She knows your weak spots and just wants what’s best for the both of you. Safety and comfort are her goals.
But you just can’t shake this idea. You’re not willing to let go.
You tug at the idea some more. You get excited again. You can see it growing and evolving before your eyes.
This is one war you don’t want to lose.
So you stand your ground and let logic know she’s been super helpful. She’s done her job impeccably but it’s time for her to take a well-earned break.
You want to try this idea on for size, and you promise to check in with her along the way. You’re ready to ditch certainty and embrace uncertainty.
The game stops for now. You’ve won this round but logic is never far away. She’ll pout at her loss this time, but she’ll always be there for you if things don’t go to plan.
It’s OK to let your heart win over logic every now and then. It’s actually one of the best ways to truly do the work you’re meant to do.
Even if this idea doesn’t work out how you planned, there will be many lessons you learn along the way.
Logic likes lessons. She can relate to them and put them to good use next time the tug-o-war begins.
Remain friends at all times, and be open to play this tug-o-war on a regular basis. But don’t always let her win.
