What’s the difference between “sticking with” and “sticking at”?
My great problem is “calling time” on a commitment I have made to achieve an objective.
Achieving “seven impossible things before breakfast”, I find to be my definition of “fun” — but I must learn to know a true impossibility before it crushes me.
The impossibility may be helping a company or colleague understand why I believe they are wrong in an action or activity that will ultimately fail them.
My opinion of failure may not be theirs, however, so I have learned to step back and consider the world from their position rather than mine.
Marcus Aurelius's thoughts help me decide whether I am “sticking with” the problem, which is a positive commitment to achievement, or “sticking at” the problem, which just makes it a war of attrition.
Because a thing seems difficult for you, do not think it impossible.
Whenever you are about to find fault with someone, ask yourself the following question: What fault of mine most nearly resembles the one I am about to criticize?
It is the responsibility of leadership to work intelligently with what is given, and not waste time fantasizing about a world of flawless people and perfect choices.
I write and publish poetry, which is often about people or problems I encounter. I find this a good benchmark to test whether I am guilty of “sticking at” and should immediately exit stage left.
PARANOID ANDROID
Depressed and bored but not paranoid at all
Marvin had all the solutions for the Universe
But he was sad, with a billion years of boredom
Waiting tables nightly at the End of the Universe
While awaiting the arrival of his Heart of Gold.We meet our paranoid Marvins every day
Friendless beings fearing mortal threats
From us, the great unwashed human herd
Suspecting everyone, enemies everywhere
Unconscious of their need for a real hug today.
This makes life easy, as there really is a big difference between “sticking with” and “sticking at” when you want to decide if there really is light at the end of the tunnel.
