I imagine a world where every man could stride as a Titan, not solely the elites of the urban jungle, but every man from corner office to back alley.
I, too, swim daily in the depths of anxiety, comparison and self-doubt, navigating calm waters of self-discovery only to be met with Neptune's wrath when faced with adversity. My inner pendulum swinging from moments of revelation to shadows of self-doubt. These ebbs and flows from Titan to mouse have been a familiar dance throughout my life, leading often to positions beneath my true potential.
My pride and fear of inadequacy subconsciously downplayed my own accomplishments and talents. Tormented by the thought of unfamiliar territory, these inadequacies drove me to learn every domain I could muster. The unfortunate part of this strategy was that although you become quite the conversationalist, you ultimately lack the depth necessary for mastery. In manhood, you are rewarded and commended for your excellence in the focused skills that set you apart.
In my youth I observed men who were instilled with a fearless pursuit of goals and professions far beyond their station and skills. It was these same men later in life that emerged from the crucibles of challenge, a perfect silhouette of the man they had imagined they would become. It was akin to exposure therapy: Their will to dive into the discomfort transformed them.
As I did so often in life, my beginnings in mens' fashion started within the confines of a tailor's shop. The pressing machines bellowed guttural sizzles while blasting steam into the sealed chamber we called a workplace. It was here I believed I could find peace by honing a craft in hopes that raw talent would one day be recognized. My mind would settle for once, no longer grasping for that which was above my capacity to endure failure. Unfortunately, this fantasy was met with the harsh reality that so many talented individuals languish in obscurity till their dying days, unrecognized and unappreciated. In my journey, I found myself transitioning from mere toil to keen observation. It was here the world unveiled its secrets beyond the confines of labor. I deeply and intently observed each successful man in my life. I gained invaluable insights. These behaviors illuminated a contrary truth to the vast sea of tutorials teaching the attributes of high achievers. These men had similarities:
They moved deliberately, grounded in their pursuits.
Their days were not consumed by toil, but by meaningful interactions, driven by their purpose and connection with others.
There was no glamorized narrative of the relentless grind and 'hustle'.
They ate slowly. They spoke kindly. They wrote calculatedly. Every motion of their physical body was done without a sense of urgency, even while chaos circled their empires in perpetual motion.
They listened to their inner monologue: If they were hungry, they ate. When tired, they slept. When sad, they helped others. When angry, found solitude and meditation.
There was no suffering and grind.
They spoke of God often, with fear, reverence and piety.
They simply "...each day, moved a little way along their course, steadily, unrelentingly".
So often, those who preach the gospel of relentless grind indulge in leisurely lunches and extended vacations, reflecting upon their endeavours and sacrifices in a manner that embellishes their efforts far beyond the actuality.
Titans, do not seek the cold showers asceticism, but instead, hear the wise words of Earl Nightingale on the successful man.
"In such a life, there's no great hurry, no frantic running about, no doubt or confusion.
Instead each day he moves a little way along his course, steadily, unrelentingly.
And above all he has the wonderful calm knowledge of his destination, and knows that each day finds him closing the distance that still separates him from it.
Sometimes in his life, as in all lives, there are storms with tend to throw him off course, obstacles which for at time may delay him, but soon he's right back on course again, moving ahead. His roots are firmly held by the steady stream of his beliefs.
This is the life of the strong, serene person. The person of wisdom. The person who knows he cannot do or become everything in his lifetime, so calmly chooses that which he desires, pushing everything else from his life, and begins his life's journey.
Until in a very few years, he's miles ahead but all but the few that live as he does."
- Earl Nightingale
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