Every time I see a grizzled biker on a Harley, I think one of two thoughts:
“I wonder if he’s an accountant.”
Or
“I wonder what he was like when he was five years old.”
I imagine what happened to that little, innocent kid, who was much like all other five year olds, that caused him to become a tattooed, beard-wearing, tough guy-strutting, black leather covered, rider of a loud motorcycle.
My guess is that he felt afraid. Somebody bullied him, somebody scared him, somebody or something made him feel out of control.
He decided to look tough — maybe even be tough.
The biker protects that image, for the rest of his life.
We spend our lives chasing outcomes to overcome painful emotions.
Fear. Inadequacy. Humiliation. Insignificance.
We think we’re being logical.
“You’ve got to be tough in the world. It’s a dangerous place. Nobody else will protect you and your family.”
True, but you live in the suburbs. The greatest danger you face is tripping over the curb on your way into Target.
“Who doesn’t want to be rich? You have more options, more freedom, more toys, a better life.”
Is that what you really want? Or, do you just feel like people don’t like you as you are and hope they will like you more if they see your wealth?
Strategy is easy.
You want X. Find someone who accomplished X. Do what they did. Repeat until successful.
The hard part is figuring out why the hell you want X in the first place. Is it really what you want? Or, is it a means to an end?
Heart is hard (at least for me).
Life is in the process; achievement is momentary. Enjoy what you’re doing.
Take off the mask.
Just for a moment.
Do what your heart wants.
Forget the outcome. Forget the strategy.
What do you want right here, right now? For who, and why?
Go there.
This post is part of a series inspired by Steven Pressfield’s calling question, “What would you do if you had three months left to live?” I’d share what I’ve learned with those I love and anyone who’d listen. Here are all Lessons.