Optimism might kill you

.

/

Author —Auteur — Peter Georgariou

In Jim Collins’ book, Good to Great, he tells the story of James Stockdale, a US Navy commander who was taken prisoner during the Vietnam war. He withstood 7 years of imprisonment including repeated torture and shackled solitary confinement for 2 years.

He told the story of those who made it and those who didn’t in the P.O.W. camps. Those who didn’t make it were setting false deadlines, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter, and when those times came and went, they would get depressed and wither away.

According to him, survival boiled down to having the confidence that you were going to get out while simultaneously knowing that it was going to take a long time. That is the Stockdale Paradox. You couldn’t have unbridled optimism alone. You needed the combination of optimism mixed with an equal dose of stark realism.

Now when you think about the long term strategy or goals for your organization, are you both optimistic and ready for the long haul? Or have you set overly aggressive, arbitrary timelines on when you are going to achieve your targets?

Yes, positive thinking and your belief that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to is key, but it isn’t enough. Don’t succumb to competitive pressures or that of your board or over-ambitious staff. Set the course, yes, but know that you will be for as long as it takes to achieve success…and that most likely will take a little longer than you think.

Peter Georgariou

CEO & Founder

With over 18 years of experience in sales, marketing and operations, Peter enjoys helping businesses establish the proper structures, strategies and marketing plans to help them achieve their goals and dreams. He is helping them make the most of their potential and ability to impact the communities in which they live.

More Insights

.

five game-changing reasons to invest in social media marketing in 2025
Marketing Strategy

Five game-changing reasons to invest in social media marketing in 2025

When you’re watching TV, how often are you solely focused on just that one screen? If you’re like a lot of us, even as the television continues to play, you’re

Purpose-Driven Marketing

Riding for a cause: how we’re helping elevate the CN Cycle for CHEO experience

Imagine you’re a child suddenly facing the daunting reality of a cancer diagnosis. Around you, a devoted team of doctors, nurses, and specialists work tirelessly, equipped with the latest treatments

Purpose-Driven Marketing

From houseless to housed: how SSVP is rewriting stories of hope

Nearly 35,000 people are homeless on any given night in Canada, a stark statistic highlighting the severity of our country’s housing crisis. Amidst this growing challenge, the Society of Saint