On not being let down by others

If you work within a team, or lead teams, you have probably experienced these:

“Why would someone do that? Why leave it like that?”

*“Why is nobody pushing this forward?”

“Why is this so darn difficult for these people?”*

“Do I have to do everything myself?”

This happens when our high aspirations for ourselves and our work exceeds either our clarity in communication, or the expectations others have of those same things. Were they to have the same aspirations, the same clarity and the same drive as you do, they would already do as you do.

They may not have the same aspirations or expectations, but you can lead them by showing them what success looks like. That is within our control to do. They may not have the same clarity, but you can lead them to that by communicating more. That is within our control to do. And in the meantime, we can do our best regardless of whether or not others decide to meet you in doing so.

Marcus Aurelius wrote, “The more we value things outside of our control, the less control we have.”

The only true let down is focusing on things outside of our control, thus allowing our peace to be sold to the highest bidder.

The solution is found in our focus.