Unlocking the Hidden Secret to Rapid Success
Written on
Chapter 1: The Essence of Speed
In any pursuit, it's essential to acknowledge the importance of grit, time, and skill. These elements are undoubtedly significant. However, I'm not here to suggest that there's a miraculous solution that renders them obsolete. Instead, I want to emphasize a foundational quality that precedes all others and enables them to thrive: speed.
Speed of execution, the swift initiation of action, and the ability to complete tasks promptly are vital. During my time in boot camp, instructors emphasized the concept of "urgency." It involves recognizing the necessity for action, identifying that action, and then simply doing it.
Let's conduct a brief exercise. After reading this, observe those around you—be it at work, while grocery shopping, driving, or exercising. You will likely notice a common trait among many: they are remarkably slow.
Since leaving the military a decade ago, I've observed this phenomenon everywhere. In public settings, individuals often move without focus or direction, as if their thoughts are scattered. This leads to a pace reminiscent of glacial movement.
In stark contrast, the military operates with clear objectives. Every action serves a purpose; wandering is intentional. In a society overwhelmed by distractions, particularly from social media, the ability to act with speed becomes an invaluable asset. It allows you to accomplish tasks swiftly, leading to rewards that come faster than one might expect.
With that in mind, let me share three real-world examples illustrating the importance of speed in various facets of life.
The first video, "The Secret to Success: It's Not What You Think," featuring Kim Perell at TEDxPepperdineUniversity, delves into the misconceptions surrounding success and highlights the often-ignored attribute of speed.
Speed in Personal Life
Recently, my six-year-old car broke down, with the repair estimate reaching $14,000. I was determined not to let this situation linger or result in financial loss. Within just two days, my wife and I:
- Acquired a new vehicle
- Negotiated for the car company to cover the engine repairs
How did we achieve this? I quickly identified what I wanted to avoid—prolonged uncertainty and unnecessary expenses. I envisioned a scenario where I could sell the damaged car to a scrapyard to minimize losses, while also aiming for the best outcome.
This decision-making process took less than an hour. I won't delve into the specifics of how we managed to secure the optimal outcome; what matters is that we acted swiftly. While many might have been consumed by the hefty repair bill, we focused on finding solutions.
Speed in Creative Endeavors
In the realm of creativity, especially in my recent venture into YouTube, I've learned that simply "hitting publish" is crucial. My first video didn't meet my expectations, but sharing it allowed a friend to provide valuable feedback on aspects like lighting and sound.
Incorporating this feedback helped me significantly improve my subsequent video. Previously, I might have hesitated to release anything less than perfect, but I realized that producing content quickly leads to growth and refinement.
The second video, featuring Laura Brieden, emphasizes a key leadership attribute—empowering and believing in your team. This principle aligns with the idea of speed, as it encourages action and growth in a collaborative environment.
Speed at Work
Utilizing the calendar function in email programs has revolutionized my workflow. Instead of relying on a to-do list, I now spend the last half hour of my day planning for the next. By scheduling tasks and mentally preparing, I eliminate indecision and procrastination.
When I log back in the following day, I know exactly what needs to be accomplished, allowing me to start executing immediately. This approach enhances my productivity compared to the majority who waste time getting settled.
Speed Enhances Learning
Many people mistakenly believe that learning occurs through prolonged contemplation. While reflection is beneficial, it should follow action. Increased speed leads to more executions, yielding valuable learning experiences.
Returning to my YouTube journey, rapid execution allowed me to gain immediate feedback tailored to my work, far more beneficial than generalized research.
How to Cultivate Speed in Your Life
If you're eager to embrace this secret to success, consider these strategies:
- Gather Necessary Information, Then Act: Make decisions once you have enough information. Choose the option with the least downside and move forward to learn from the experience.
- Anticipate Mistakes: Many hesitate to act out of fear of failure. Embrace the idea that setbacks are part of the process. Plan, execute, analyze, learn, and repeat.
- Maintain Focus: Know your purpose—whether shopping or relaxing—and stick to it. Distractions slow you down.
It's important to note that I'm not advocating for reckless decision-making. The key takeaway here is to make informed decisions and act swiftly. Learn from each experience, improve with time, and avoid distractions.