I have been reading a fascinating book on how to approach entrepreneurship. The title is 'Little bets' and the author Peter Sims. The main thesis is that breakthrough ideas most often originate from small discoveries, i.e. innovation can be guided through methodical experiments.
In one of my favourite bits, the author cites reasearch according to which effort-based encouragement is a lot more effective than talent-based encouragement. The former drives measured risk taking and the right mental attitude towards challenges. The latter, on the contrary, ego preservation.
If effort is what counts, the actual new task is not that important, no matter how daunting. However, if the focus lies on talent and excelling, every new challenge can easily be perceived as a threat. Lowering the adoption of new risks (living in the confort zone) is thus a much more natural course of action.
Focusing on personality types, Sims builds a ranking with Michael Jordan sitting at one end and John McEnroe at the other. Jordan was a risk taker, thriving for continuous improvement throughout his career (his all career shooting average was significantly better than during his first four years, is one example provided). McEnroe, on the other hand, was an undoubted talent, one the greatest, but he easily lost his balance when faced with difficulty. His tendency to blame others is read by Sims as a good example of the wrong way to go about things.
The good news is that apparently having the correct relationship with risk taking is a skill that can be gradually learnt. So don't lose hope on becoming an effort-focused and continuously-improving innovation champion, even if you don't see a Michael Jordan --or a mere Javier Villarroya... :)-- when you look at the mirror.
That time of the year, again. And a good one to reflect it is.
In 2006 I underwent a serious life changing episode. I spent over three months in hospital, very ill, hanging in the balance. In the end, thanks to my family's support and the wonderful medical attention received, I managed to make it through.
The change in perspective that such an event entails is hard to explain. There is vertigo, regrets, fear, and, of course, also an incredible amount of positive energy released. I felt like I had to do a million things, and all of them at once. Like somehow I owed it. To whom? Difficult to say. Before 2006 I distinctly felt that I was about 10% accomplishments and 90% potential. Not any more since then: the clock started ticking.
Over these past five years I have accumulated a lot of experience in various fields. Professionally, as an entrepreneur, I have had exposure to TV production and digital journalism. I tried my luck, followed my instincts, invested heavily... and failed. Twice. The reasons? A combination of factors probably. Although my perspective is clearly biased, two common themes emerge from the analysis: arriving too early and not finding all the right partners. Both big, damning mistakes. Recently I have found a more balanced profesional approach, advising and investing as well as launching my own projects.
As a citizen, I have also really gone for it. Right after leaving hospital I joined a newly-created political party: Ciudadanos. The founders, their diagnosis, the reform agenda proposed, even the name was just perfect! Over the following months I became increasingly engaged, I always found the extra hours to contribute. In the end, somebody else capitalised on our early work. Best of luck to them! I have transitioned from abstentionist, to militant, to now simple (and proud!) voter. Through non-for-profit efforts such as Voota or Pro Bono Publico I continue to channel my civic unrest.
I have also continued writing: articles, novels, essays and scripts, both in English and in Spanish. But I remain too shy, somehow vulnerable, to really give it a shot. It is as if I devote just enough time and energy to enjoy what I do without being subjectable to proper criticism. A bit childish, I guess. The whole thing remains WIP.
Most important of all, I have also evolved as a person. I value, more than ever, my marriage to Noelle. She is the person that has made me into who I am today, more than anyone else. A true example in so many aspects. I love her and I admire her for being the wonderful person that she is. Only days away from the birth of our daughter, I celebrate that Mateo, Tomás and Rosario will increasingly become the center of our lives.
Then there is everyone else I love. Last June I lost my father, also due to a terrible and cruel medical condition. I can't stop thinking that his progressive physical deterioration was some sort of exacting toll he was asked to pay in exchange for the 'extra life' granted to his eldest son. Stupid, I know, but real nonetheless. I feel him very close, still watching over all of us. Family and friends. I have never valued the time I spend with them so much: my brother, mother, other relatives, good friends, etc. They all help me live for today and I thank them for it.
So, what now? As in the Sinatra version, I can honestly say that I have done things my way. I didn't like what I saw around me and have tried to change it, in politics, the media and society in general. Little success so far... Is now the time for a cozy retreat? Fortunately, to a large extent I have the financial resources to be able to afford it. A life of enjoyment and contemplation. Tempting... But the answer is no. Not in a million years. I am not wired like that - not 100% anyway... :)
New (and not so new) projects will soon crystallise, I hope. I need to learn new things. It continues to give me a very big thrill... As always, all I am sure about is that I will commit and give my best to whatever I endevour. Let this be my personal contract with myself and those who I share my life with. A small, and poisonous, birthday present!
