I’ve always considered myself to be an intuitive person – in touch with matters of the heart that often defy explanation or even articulation. I didn’t consider that to be a marketable skill since the business world tends to value left-brained thinking. So I adapted.
But there’s been a shift. Daniel Pink talks about it in his book, A Whole New Mind. He proposes that we’re in the midst of a major transformation. As we hurtle through the information age, an age of “info-besity”, we are headed into an era when high conceptualization will take on new importance.
Psychologists say that the left lobe of the brain is where logic, reason, science and analytics dwell. The right hemisphere of the brain is said to house emotion, language, music and artistic ability.
Business and life, done the right way, for the right reasons, is a whole-brain function. Running a business out of the intellect, with a disconnection from the soul will be dry, mechanical, and unfulfilling. Ask me how I know. I’ve tried it.
Most of us would recognize that in “matters of the heart”, as in a romantic relationship, we make decisions based on our deep, intuitive leading. But how much credibility do we give to our heart in matters of business? You can call it your conscience, your spirit, your gut – we’re talking about that place below the surface – deeper than the conscious mind.
In reality, “Our hearts have led us, and keep us, in exactly the station of life where we are currently. We may think we can change by changing our minds or attitude, but 90% of what we do comes right out of our hearts and is very resistant to change.” These words were penned by John Garfield, author of Desire to Destiny, and a wise friend.
I discovered the truth of that statement during a circuitous journey. I have just returned from that trek that took me in a giant circle. After a lot of sweat, effort and time, I ended up right back where I started. A detour wasn’t in the plan. It never is. But I learned a lot–the hard way, of course–so now I can pass the lessons on to you.
I wrote for months and months (okay, years), knowing I have a book in me. At one point, I came to a shocking realization. Writing had not flowed for me because I was writing out of my intellect rather than from my heart. And that simply won’t deliver what I must give you.
Think of a musician who can play every note perfectly but lacks any expression or emotion in the delivery of the music. Great execution–but no heart. That’s not my style. I began playing the piano before I could read and studied with a master teacher throughout my high school years. He was always rather frustrated with me because my performances lacked perfection. But because I poured my heart into the notes, making the keys weep, laugh and dance, I consistently pulled off superior ratings in competitions.
Sometimes being lost is part of the journey. Going around the mountain as I wrote and doing a fair share of wandering in the dark has been a process that produced thoughts with the power to transform your business, your home, your community and your nation. They are that important.
Win From Within: The Heart of Success and Significance
After 35 years of work with over 10,000 professionals, in-depth research on leadership, success and significance, as well as lessons from my own entrepreneurial ventures, I have written, Win from Within: The Heart of Success and Significance.
If you are ready to exchange aggravation for anticipation, frustration for fascination and striving for a grace-filled walk, you’ll want to read this book. You can do it now. Click Here to Order from Amazon.
Or if you want a signed copy, Order HERE
