Despite his many innovations in the field of psychology, Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) rarely spelled out the social consequences of his theories. His baseline approach was to listen to patients and analyse their mental shadows. Interpreting dreams constitutes an interesting intellectual exercise, but in terms of effectiveness, it cannot compare to vigorous rational discourse.
By the time Freud dared to present his social views in writing, he was already 74 years old. His essay Civilization and its Discontents (1930) was radically different from his previous publications. In this ground-breaking book, Freud outlines his views on human psychology from the point of view, not only of individual history, but also of interpersonal behaviour.
Although the overall tone of the essay is cautious and conservative, readers noticed Freud’s underlying criticism. Reviewers of the book had no problem with Freud’s listening to patients and interpreting their dreams, but his latest opinions were out of the question. The essay generated such opposition that Freud never addressed similar subjects again.
Many decades have passed, but tradition has not lost any of its force. Its tentacles feed on the weak in order to starve the independent; it silences doubts and paralyses initiative; it renders questions inaudible and self-reliance unthinkable.
On the other hand, preaching change for the sake of swimming upstream makes little sense. Being like everybody else has substantial private and professional advantages. It would be foolishly for anyone to discard a secure position simply because it offers few challenges. Before making a bold move, you should have something better in view.
Third, the General concentrated his forces on fighting the most urgent danger. He picked up an arch himself, drew the first arrow, and ordered the Romans to aim at the closest attackers. The rain of arrows soon decimated the barbarians, making them retreat and allowing Belisarius to focus on the next problem.
Fourth, Belisarius maintained his calm, shifting his limited resources from one pressing emergency to the next. He kept his presence of mind in the middle of the dead and wounded, identifying the most urgent problem to be addressed at each moment. By moving his remaining forces quickly from one critical point to the next, the General multiplied their effectiveness.
Fifth, as soon as he perceived an opportunity, he took the initiative. Each time that Roman archers repelled an attack making enemies flee, Belisarius ordered to open the gates and had his cavalry pursue the barbarians, causing heavy losses amongst them.
During 1400 years, Belisarius’ strategy has proved its effectiveness on innumerable occasions. Stabilising your situation, addressing your most pressing problems, keeping calm, shifting your resources as needed, and taking initiative are the key principles to turn around difficult situations. Belisarius’ wisdom contains lessons that we all can apply in our own lives.
JOHN VESPASIAN writes about rational living and is the author of the books “When everything fails, try this” and “Rationality is the way to happiness.” He has resided in New York, Madrid, Paris and Munich. His stories reflect the values of entrepreneurship, tolerance and self-reliance.
We will all be dead soon,” predicted centurion Millius, looking over the ramparts at the barbarian army surrounding Rome in the year 536 C.E. He had good reasons to feel discouraged, since Romans were outnumbered 30 to 1 by the attackers.
General Belisarius shook his head. “If we use our forces cleverly, we will prevail,” he replied. History tells us that the General was right, since he succeeded in defending Rome with 5,000 veteran Roman legionnaires against the attack of 150,000 barbarians.
The heavy losses inflicted by Belisarius on the attackers made them give up the siege of Rome three weeks later. 90.000 barbarians lost their life during their failed attempt to conquer Rome. When they retreated, Belisarius pursued them across Italy and finished off most of the survivors.
How did the General manage to turn a desperate situation into a resounding victory? Belisarius’ strategy has been profusely studied by historians. The principles of action applied by the Romans in 536 C.E. can be recommended to anyone facing a major crisis.
First, Belisarius took immediate measures to stabilise the situation. When he heard that attackers were approaching, his legionnaires worked day and night to reinforce battlements and dig deep ditches to protect the foot of the ramparts. In addition, a thick chain was drawn across the river in order to prevent enemy ships from entering the city.
Second, he allocated minimum resources to cover essential necessities. The General assigned each of his lieutenants with a small group of legionnaires to defend a particular area of the ramparts, giving instructions that no man should ever leave his post under any circumstances. Belisarius knew that he had to maintain his line of defence intact, since otherwise, Rome would fall into the attackers’ hands.
Accountability And Forward Movement
Let’s face it, without someone to be accountable to, most of us will skip the uncomfortable stuff and do what we already know; what is already familiar. Who wants to take the risk of being seen, taking a stand, or (gasp!) making a mistake or failing at something? Worse yet, what will it mean if I succeed? Left to our own devices we procrastinate even when we vow that we’ll keep ourselves on track. How many books have you pledged to read and do the exercises? And what did you DO with that information that brought measurable results in your life? While occasionally you can have a mini-breakthrough this way, lasting, sustainable results are obtained far faster and easier with the support of a highly trained coach.
Hearing And Speaking The Truth
Everyone has blind spots. A coach will identify your blind spots and tell you the truth. A coach is unattached to any specific outcome. You have a space in which you can speak your truth. Without the inevitable bias of loved ones and colleagues, you get to give voice to your authentic self and what is really going on, what you really want to create in your world. A good coach will help you set and enforce healthy boundaries and take good care of yourself so you can create the present and future you most desire without being subject to distraction and competing agendas that leave you feeling conflicted and guilty.
Focus And Shortcuts
You need to be clear on where you want to go but also where you are right now. You know those maps in a shopping complex – the ones with the big dot that say “YOU ARE HERE”? Without that dot you have no idea how to get where you want to go. A coach will help you get clear on both these points so you can start moving forward right away. Not “someday” not “maybe later”, but starting today. While coaching is not designed to be a speed trip, it will increased the velocity at which you achieve your goals and move forward because you’ll be armed with proven tips, techniques, and shortcuts to get you in action.
So You Can See …
that this kind of support is not about just some cheerleading from the sidelines. It’s not a “feel good” strategy that you can get from a book or a class or your colleagues/friends. Yes you will feel energized and inspired. That is certain – and if you don’t feel energized or inspired by your coach, he or she is not the right fit for you. Where the real exponential return on your investment is found, however are in the real, tangible results in your life, your career, and your business. It is an investment that will only ever appreciate in value (goodness knows you can’t even come close to that in the financial markets) You will experience truly life-changing inner-shifts from which you’ll reap the benefits for years and outer results that align with what you most want to be experiencing.
Last weekend I was in Tampa, Florida for the first of several in-person events as part of a year long mastermind group I joined. I had an excellent time full of shifts and connection. It inspired me to write this article.
First let me share with you that I did not take joining this group lightly. It is the most significant investment of time and money I have made to a program in my life (and that’s saying something). To be fully truthful with you, it is a big stretch for me and every last excuse and story I tell myself about money joined me on my journey to a decision. After much head AND heart-centered reflection, I chose to be in charge of my choices rather than be at the whims of other people’s opinions or be a servant to my money (rather than having it serve me). I cannot wait to continue my journey with this group for the next 11 months.
Here are four specific ways having a coach can transform your life and your business/career. I know this because I have experienced it firsthand and I’ve heard it from my clients.
Big Thinking And Holding A Vision Of You At Your Highest Potential
We think they way we think because it is always the way we have thought. What we see as possible for ourselves is a combination of past experiences and what we witness in those who we surround ourselves with. For most of you, your future will look a lot like what you see in your life right now +/- 10%. Why? Because that is all that you know, think is possible, or will give yourself permission to want. With a coach at your side you get to live in the realm of possibility of much, much more. That more can be anything you want it to be – common things are more money, more time, more meaning, more satisfaction. It can also be more of that intangible spark that makes your passion and purpose be expressed in the world in a way that only you can deliver. A coach will hold you in that highest vision even when you feel like crap or your outer results aren’t what you want to see (yet). This is not denial, wishful thinking, or fantasy land. It is about shifting to being response-able for creating what you most desire personally and professionally. And if you don’t yet know what that vision, what “It” is, she can help you discover it, name it, and claim it.