Playing the long game
If you saw the launch of the Apple Vision Pro virtual reality headset this week, you would have been reminded that we live in an interesting world!
A world where instant gratification, shortcuts, and the convenient way have become the norm. I recently had a conversation about Generation Alpha (people born between 2010 to 2020). This generation is growing up in a world where the smartphone has always existed (the first iPhone came out in 2007), with access to technology, social media, online shopping, and streaming services that give people access to what they want, when they want it, immediately. In most cases without having to leave the room.
I am busy undergoing treatment for a knee injury, which is really painful and frustrating. Upon my last visit, I was hoping that my knee had recovered to the extent that I would be able to avoid another painful treatment. After undergoing a scan, I was faced with the choice: Accept the 80% progress and start the rehab process (which would be less painful and almost instantly leave me without pain) OR take the last treatment which means another 10 days of physical pain and mental frustration, but moving closer to 100% recovery. I guess it should be a no-brainer: more healing = a better end result. But I was shocked when the doctor said “Wow you are taking the road less traveled, most people would be okay with the 80%”. I did feel a little proud at the moment, I won’t lie, but had A LOT of regret after waking up from the sedation (the treatment is really damn painful).
When my head started to clear it did get me thinking about the hard-to-reach, high-hanging fruit – my and our general approach towards playing the long game.
To clarify: I am not saying that I don’t enjoy a good shortcut, at the right time. I’m also not saying that technology does not bring some fantastic conveniences and progress – BUT I am definitely saying that we need to keep our long-term goals in mind when making everyday decisions. Many (if not most) of the long-term goals worth achieving cannot be reached by looking for short-term solutions or quick fixes.
For those of us who live in the real world (and not virtual reality), we know that doing the really tough stuff is super necessary. It will not be fun in the short term but is absolutely required when the goal is sustainability and longevity.
At work, we see how senior people in business struggle with teaching others the skills they need and holding them accountable because it feels quicker to “do it myself”. Or putting off that difficult conversation because “now is not the right time”. Like drinking the 36th pain tablet for toothache when there is a massive cavity in your tooth and you know you need to go to the dentist (something many people are terrified of)!
Look at your own situation. Don’t reinvent the wheel, but be honest with yourself about the things that you need to do something about now. Even if it cannot be fixed quickly. Maybe especially if it cannot be fixed overnight.
Let’s make use of the things that make life easier, but let’s not forget that we are playing the long game.
Thank you so much for reading. We hope you take something from this piece to encourage you. If you did, please share with someone who could also benefit from it. Have a great weekend!
At PurposeWorks we are all about Making You and Your Work Rock. Our focus is on Organisational Health and Design, Employee Centered Culture, Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. For more information on how we can help you create a work environment that rocks, develop a great team, become an inspiring leader or unlock your personal excellence talk to us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
