The Musings Of An Opinionated Sod [Help Me Grow!]


The Progress Paradox …
November 11, 2014, 6:15 am
Filed under: The Quest To Progress

Throughout my life I’ve met, worked with and worked for people who have stated they want dramatic change and then – in the same breath – announced how they want to protect what they already have.

From the person who hates their job but doesn’t want to take a pay cut to the client or colleagues who want to accelerate their growth but don’t want to risk doing something new.

Don’t get me wrong, I get it.

I totally get it.

But here’s a little secret that you should all know.

Growth and comfort can never co-exist.

Never.

Never, ever, ever.

I know that sounds scary and horrible and countless other things, but the fact is it’s true.

It doesn’t matter if you want a new job, a new client or a new agency … it is impossible to achieve one if you don’t want to let go of the other.

Of course, part of the reason it’s hard for people to embrace that is because while the goal of growth requires uncomfortable decisions, actions and experiences … it does not automatically mean the outcome will be positive.

But by the same token, it doesn’t automatically mean it will be negative either.

In fact, the only sure thing is that if you don’t do anything, you won’t get anything.

Other than a feeling of resented contentment.

Which, for some, is the worst feelings of all.


34 Comments so far
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rainbow. the simpsons before the fucking simpsons.

dont know what the fuck this post is about, i never read them.

http://youtu.be/CgbcQIT7BMc

Comment by andy@cynic

Don’t forget Captain Pugwash with Seamen Stains and Roger the cabin boy. It’s a surprise everyone raised in the 70’s isn’t in therapy.

Comment by George

they were all an urban fucking legend. gullible bastard.

Comment by andy@cynic

You shouldn’t believe everything you read on the internet. The Guardian was successfully sued for suggesting that.

Comment by John

Are you referring to Andrew or me, John?

I’m shocked Andrew, I was sure that was the case. My memory conspired to fool me and this news has just destroyed my entire childhood.

Comment by George

I was referring to you george. Andy butted in.

Comment by John

Don’t worry George, I thought it was too for a long time. Part of the problem was there was a character called ‘Master Mates’, but it was misheard as … well, you can guess … and that set off a steady stream of rumour and misunderstanding.

Comment by Rob

Who needs Master Bates when Rod Jane and Freddie were gang banging. At least in my head.

Comment by DH

Best brit show I’ve ever seen. How did it go from this to downton?

Comment by Billy Whizz

It was a slow, horrible descent into period-drama soap opera.

Comment by Rob

I cannot credibly enter this debate, I’m addicted to Aquabats

Comment by Northern

Let’s be honest Northern, yes you can.

Comment by Rob

and no fucker explained why bungle wore pjs when he went to bed but fuck all when he was up. and george and zippy didnt even change. dirty fuckers. no wonder all the kids presenters are being round up for kiddy fiddling these days. the fuckers were doing it right under our noses all the fucking time.

Comment by andy@cynic

Excellent point. And don’t forget Geoffrey got into bed with all of them. Who were, let’s not forget, [1] boys and [2] animals.

Comment by Rob

Pedo beastiality. Who says this blog doesn’t teach you things.

Comment by DH

Good read Robert. I especially like “growth and comfort can never co-exist”. Very true despite many people trying to prove otherwise.

Comment by George

I agree, but I think the journey back in time may have overshadowed it.

Comment by Pete

Yes, I didn’t really think that through. As usual.

Comment by Rob

So it’s another brilliant strategy let down by poor execution? Story of a planner’s life!

Comment by Ian Gee

Or an example of why a planner should never be allowed to create the execution.

Comment by Pete

Sad but true …

Comment by Ian Gee

I annexed the no growth and discomfort quadrant.

Comment by John

so youre a daily mail reader.

Comment by andy@cynic

I can’t afford newspapers.

Comment by John

Who buys newspapers?

Comment by Rob

Losers like me.

Comment by John

It is obvious until you are in that situation so may this serve as a reminder to all. Well said Robert.

Comment by Lee Hill

It won’t though will it.

Comment by DH

I like this post and not just because of Rainbow.
Let’s face it, zippy is the greatest fictional character bar none.
As someone in zone of discomfort for the last 12 months, and it’s even worse now, sometimes you need people to tell you it will all be worth it.
Psychologists have long known you’re more miserable if didn’t try something and always wonder, than if you had a go and failed -not least because we all post rationalise stuff to make ourselves feel better.
Anyway

Comment by Northern

I know someone who needs to read your comment very, very carefully. And for good reasons, not bad. Though I’m not sure if I’m with you on Zippy … he is ace, but Dougal on the Magic Roundabout was pretty awesome too.

Comment by Rob

Fair point on Dougal, although come to think of it, the Flumps rocked.
Whoever you’re referring to probably knows better to take anything I say seriously, unless it’s about not liking Queen.
Actually, trying listening to Queen is the exception to the ‘it’s better to try stuff’ rule.

Comment by Northern

Yeah … laugh it up, we both know that as soon as you hear ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, you’re singing it for days. Talking of Queen, the lovely folk at Virgin sent me an early copy of their ‘FOREVER’ album and it is a sonic cathedral of sound. Or something.

Comment by Rob

Is it called Forever because the listener can’t wait for it to end?

Comment by John

or its a lifetime of fucking purgatory.

Comment by andy@cynic




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