Power of the V-Formation

The next time you take a peek at an autumn sky you may catch the sight of a flock of geese flying in a V-formation. They fly together to cut down on wind resistance, sometimes by as much as 70 %. As a result, they reach their destination quicker and with less exertion.

When we work in harmony with others who share our values and core principles we reach our target together while lifting one another up, and having a lot more fun along the way.

We don’t have to bulldoze our way to our dreams. What’s more, we don’t have to do it alone.  

SLOW. DOWN.

Travel writer Pico Iyer once wrote, “In an age of speed, I began to think, nothing could be more invigorating than going slow. In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention. And in an age of constant movement, nothing is more urgent than sitting still."

We live in a time of remarkable velocity, speeding through the very moments we'll be sure to miss some day. And when we actually take the time out for a little personal inventory, we rarely ask ourselves why we're going so fast.

I certainly got caught up in the hustle and bustle that is New York City, often dashing across an intersection a mere second after a cab flew by, or racing to make a train. But when I think about it, I rarely, if ever, was in a true rush to get to where I needed to be.

As I get older, I'm trying to find ways to allow my drive and ambition to live in harmony with stillness and silence. It's in the moments when there is quiet, true quiet, that the most interesting thoughts pop up. There's a peace of mind that accompanies an environment catered to simply being. 

The trouble is we rarely take the time to cultivate that space.  

It's Not About Where It'll Get You

When you're a kid you're conditioned to believe if you just work hard enough all your dreams will eventually be realized. As you get older in life you begin to appreciate the undeniable role luck plays in reaching exceptional heights. 

Maya Angelou was once asked about the remarkable qualities leaders like John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela possessed. She argued they weren't any more talented than you or I, they were just in the right place at the right time and "grabbed on to something."

The point is that we may or may not reach our carefully scripted dreams even if we work incredibly hard and have immense talent. But that alone should not stop us from working hard and putting our best effort towards being better than we were yesterday. 

When we rejoice in hard work and the act of striving for its own sake great things can still happen even if they are not in harmony with what we thought we once wanted.

Your Subconscious Knows

If there's one thing about pursuing a life in the arts it's that it's very easy to get discouraged. The lack of opportunities, the constant rejection, and the fierce competition can take start to really take it's toll. But through all of that adversity I've learned it's also crucial to have impeccable word - to speak consistent messages of self-empowerment. We can positive and optimistic, while still being grounded.

I've found when your words are not congruent to your actions it becomes very difficult to build serious momentum. You may really believe in your ability as a writer, actor, or dancer but if your inner monologue is not in harmony with those sentiments you have a problem. 

Though you may continue to work hard, diligently improve you craft, and continue auditioning, if you're saying things like, "No wonder I wasn't cast," or "My career is going nowhere," you won't be firing on all cylinders. 

Your subconscious somehow knows it's being duped. Try getting your mind and your actions in harmony and see what happens.