ALIGNMENT

I think it's important to align in all things, find clarity in your vision and be decisive and discerning in the ways in which we navigate the world and with others. 

What I've noticed lately is the language of alignment in lieu of hustle. There's a pride that comes with the hustle/the grind, the "nobody is going to work as hard or be as smart as me." I get that. Look, it helps when you create a swirl of opportunities, and you keep pushing through the various challenges that come with life. If that's the language that propels you forward, rock all the way out!!

I certainly felt the connection to the "Work hard!" mantra for years, but then it just started to feel exhausting. That's because at some point, it isn't about working hard; it's about putting forth effort and energy in a smart and strategic way. Sometimes that's about being still, being bored and waiting for the moment to converge before taking action. Sometimes, we follow the mantras and not our intuition, but that's what our intuition is there for: to guide us in making the decisions or moves that work for us, and that looks different for all of us.

There was a moment, a couple of years ago, that I felt overwhelmed by so many opportunities. I was in conversation with a smart fellow, who said, "Well, all of this sounds great."  I responded, "Yeah, it's great. I just need to get grounded so I can really assess it all…figure out what comes next." Somewhat surprised by my answer, he looked at me and offered another view. He said, "No, don't ground yourself and get stuck in any particular way of thinking. Ride the wave."

Ultimately, we're all our own journeys.  I simply offer this perspective as insight to another way of thinking, doing, and being.

So yes, be discerning in the paths you choose to take. Certainly, be prepared, but at some point, you have to just let go and flow. Let the wave take you, because most times, the journey has heights that you'd never even conceive for yourself.

Now I say a lot — align and flow. And what do I do? I learned to surf.