Change And Persistent Vision
“The lesson is that one person with a persistent vision can make change happen, whether climbing rocks or delivering services.” Seth Godin, Tribes.
That sentence relates to a passage in Seth’s book where he talks about Chris Sharma and how he changed the way rock climbers looked at scaling a cliff. Instead of the normal left/right/, left/right approach of hand over hand, Sharma jumps (known as a dyno).
It’s a leap of faith at its purest, since a fall while rock-climbing can be a long way down.
Seth’s analogy is that because of Sharma’s vision that the status quo needn’t be the norm, and his persistence in experimenting with how far you could push the limitations of the dyno, things changed. Other climbers experimented, and soon the dyno wasn’t the exception anymore. It may not be the rule, but it’s not the exception.
Finding Your Dyno
Persistent vision is difficult. Persistence in itself is tough. Much like a rock climber, you need stamina. Stamina to see something through; to reach the endgame. Like rocks that jut out, obstacles will stand in your way. And the more persistent your vision, the more frequent and tougher the obstacles will be.
But that’s why it’s called persistence. That’s why you need to reach out and find your dyno and push it to its limits. That’s why you need to take your leap of faith and trust in the safety of your landing.
Change doesn’t happen overnight but it does happen.
The Story of Persistent Vision
At the tale end of 2008, I had a vision. It was maybe a little ambitious and perhaps just a little crazy. But it was something I knew could work, and believed in 100%. And when I believe in something, I’m persistent to the end.
I didn’t know if my vision would work. I didn’t know if people would share it, or whether I’d be the lonely guy with a plan and a road map that no-one wanted to read. Thankfully, though, people did. Then more people. And when obstacles got in the way, the persistence that had started in me had also started in others, and they barged their way through the obstacles.
They jumped their dynos.
Just over 12 months later, a group of persistent people with a shared vision had raised over $91,000 for charity (which broke $100,000 in January 2010), and set out their stalls for future dynos to come.
Endgame and Beginnings
This isn’t a story about ego. This is simply a story about how you have the same persistence in you too. How you have the same visions for what matters to you. How you can find your dyno and leapfrog it every single time.
Afraid to start blogging? Write the first word then leave it. Then go back and write another. Then leave it. Go back. Leave. Persist. Jump your dyno – the blog will happen.
Afraid to start your own business? Buy the first product. Store it. Buy another. Store it. Scour the classifieds. Buy another product. Find the audience, write a short advert (could be that first blog post). Persist. Build slowly. Let your stamina feed your persistence and jump your dyno.
The point is, change is waiting for you. Persistence doesn’t mean overnight. Change doesn’t happen overnight. But it does happen.
Ready to jump your dyno?
image: John Kratz
Being one who thrives on change, and has a realistic, if not idealistic vision of things to come, I've found there is considerable risk involved in change.
Like your example of the rock climber above, it can be difficult to move from status quo to new method. Even if one doesn't fall 100 meters to the ground, those that promised support (a salary, or a team), often get cold feet and withdraw that support.
I've not lost my vision, but I am less excited to share it with others.
Thanks for the reminder, Danny! Excellent points. I was told the other day by a client that when she thinks of me, she thinks of persistence! I don't always think that for myself. I sometimes think of it as being stubborn and bull-headed, but I like persistence more!
Great comments here, as always!
Great post Danny. I want to bring in typology and astrology. I am a Scorpio we thrive on change. In fact when change isn't happening I suffer greatly. 45% of the World hates change (they are reactionaries) it's nature vs nurture. Pure DNA. I will bet most of your readers and commenters are not SJ's sensate judgers(myers-briggs). It is also why so many people in this world accept crappy jobs with poor pay and feel helpless to do anything about it.
What I find truly amazing is with so much inspiration out there for those that have embraced or grown through change (people, businesses etc) I am surprised more people don't step up to the challenge.
I think what if the 80% of America which is Poor and Lower Middle Class all voted for their economic interest or went on strike or took back from the elite what is technically theirs since it was garnered on their backs and hard work.
I find people handle change when it is forced upon them more often than seeking it out and finding what will lead them to something better personally, professionally, socially etc.
Thanks Danny for the reminder to just persevere! I have been a little wrapped up in comparing myself to two other online businesses and remind myself that they too had to go through the steps and that now into their second years they are seeing success!
Great post!! I have been persistent and when I get passionate about something I tend to have a one track mind about it. Which is kind of blinding at times.
I need a better plan B but still peruse my plan A.
Danny,
This post is quite timely considering we just spent the week at Blogworld. When Sid and I started BlogcastFM the vision was to become "the tonite show of blogging" and I set out to be the Jay Leno of the Blogosphere. When I look at what's had to happened to get to where I'm at
- a paycut at a day job
- leaving the country
- living in less than ideal circumstances
I realize it's persistence to see this thing through to the better end that matters more than anything. It's strange but despite everything that's been going on, I felt this sense of frustration that I'm not quite where I want to be with everything. But what has happened is that I've reached the point of no return. If I'm going to go down, I'm going to down in flames fighting like there's no tomorrow to emerge victorious. Clearly, I've lost my mind. It was great meeting you at Blogworld my friend. WE'll have to organize a meetup with the gang somewhere in paradise.
Danny
Persistence and vision is everything. It will happen and can happen. We just have to keep pushing for that dream. I will never give up. I just can't. I say go out kicking and screaming. At least I know I have been on a wild ride and lived. Posts like this just make me want to put in more effort.
Always love visiting your place.
Respect.
Love your passion, Kenny - and amen to having lived fully or not at all.
Cheers, sir!
Good insight, Danny. Persistence is not for the few lucky ones, peristence is for anyone. One need only to grab a hold.
I like that you say your dyno can be found by taking the first steps, then the second and third. So many people look at the big picture, the top of the rock, if you will and become overwhelmed/blinded on how to reach it.
Peggy
Being one who thrives on change, and has a realistic, if not idealistic vision of things to come, I've found there is considerable risk involved in change.
Like your example of the rock climber above, it can be difficult to move from status quo to new method. Even if one doesn't fall 100 meters to the ground, those that promised support (a salary, or a team), often get cold feet and withdraw that support.
I've not lost my vision, but I am less excited to share it with others.
Hi Gary,
Completely agree - there's definitely risk, and sometimes the risk isn't worth the attempt. And there's nothing wrong with that whatsoever.
I guess it comes down to goals - and only ourselves can measure that.
Cheers, mate.
Thanks for the feedback & reply - more people should follow your example of conversing with their readers - good job!
Thanks for the feedback & reply - more people should follow your example of conversing with their readers - good job!
Great point, one of my favorite quotes is about taking the leap of faith and not being afraid to fail: "Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." I try to keep it in the back of my head, especially when I'm thinking about starting something new.
That's an awesome quote, Renee, thanks for sharing it here. And so true - fear definitely keeps us from really doing so much more for ourselves. Here's to overcoming it.
Danny! A rock climbing post, and about Chris :)
I have one point that I think is crucial regarding Chris and his dyno technique. The belayer, the guy holding the rope and keeping him alive.
When Chris takes that leap of faith he knows this guy is going to keep the rope tight and stop him from meeting the ground a bit too fast.
So yes to leap of faiths, especially in life when we have no such belayer. Oh wait, we do, and you are one of them :)
Great point, mate.
None of us are anything without our support networks - hell, without the amazing people that support 12for12k, it'd still just be an idea stuck in 2008.
Here's to belayers, mate (and thank you!) :)
Great point, John! We all need our 'belayers'!
Thanks for the reminder, Danny! Excellent points. I was told the other day by a client that when she thinks of me, she thinks of persistence! I don't always think that for myself. I sometimes think of it as being stubborn and bull-headed, but I like persistence more!
Great comments here, as always!
Now why would you prefer persistent over stubborn and bull-headed, Erica..? ;-)
Oh, I don't know...just conjures up a nicer image, don't you think? :)
Great post Danny. I want to bring in typology and astrology. I am a Scorpio we thrive on change. In fact when change isn't happening I suffer greatly. 45% of the World hates change (they are reactionaries) it's nature vs nurture. Pure DNA. I will bet most of your readers and commenters are not SJ's sensate judgers(myers-briggs). It is also why so many people in this world accept crappy jobs with poor pay and feel helpless to do anything about it.
What I find truly amazing is with so much inspiration out there for those that have embraced or grown through change (people, businesses etc) I am surprised more people don't step up to the challenge.
I think what if the 80% of America which is Poor and Lower Middle Class all voted for their economic interest or went on strike or took back from the elite what is technically theirs since it was garnered on their backs and hard work.
I find people handle change when it is forced upon them more often than seeking it out and finding what will lead them to something better personally, professionally, socially etc.
Love this comment, mate, absolutely love it!
I read a book once - can't recall which, sadly - that showed a huge percentage of the biggest advances in science came during struggle.
The World Wars that led to jet fighters and rockets and nuclear power; the outbreaks of disease that wiped millions of lives out and forced medicine to think better and faster; and more.
Completely agree - often we sit in comfort and do nothing, and only when we're in a quandary do we come out fighting.
Now why can't we do that every and any time?
Cheers, mate!
Thanks Danny for the reminder to just persevere! I have been a little wrapped up in comparing myself to two other online businesses and remind myself that they too had to go through the steps and that now into their second years they are seeing success!
I think we're all guilty of that at times, Rajka - we see the golden hills of others and think if we copy them, we'll be just as successful.
Of course, we know that's rarely the case. And yet we still covet...
Here's to more second year mindsets. :)
Dyno-mite post, my friend. Sorry, couldn't resist :). But seriously, been working with a lot of clients that are trying to change recently and it's hard not to suffer from "switch-flipping syndrome."
Switch-flipping syndrome is thinking change should happen right away. That you can just flip a switch and you don't have to take baby steps and work hard for it. It's always good to hear from others like yourself that change will come, but only with persistence. Cheers.
Oh, I see what you did there, mate - well played!
That's definitely the tough one for sure, mate. So many of us have been programmed into the "here now" mindset, that we think something's a failure if there's no result on day one.
But the strongest relationships are the ones that have been cultivated over time. Same goes for change - if it's worth it, it's worth the time needed.
Cheers!
Great post!! I have been persistent and when I get passionate about something I tend to have a one track mind about it. Which is kind of blinding at times.
I need a better plan B but still peruse my plan A.
I can attest to that, Jamie - been great watching you grow since we first got to know each other. Here's to it long continuing!
Another outstanding post, Mr. Brown. Thank-you, mate, for the boot in the pants.
Cheers, sir - and I believe a trip with the family to Ottawa is on the cards soon. :)
Danny,
This post is quite timely considering we just spent the week at Blogworld. When Sid and I started BlogcastFM the vision was to become "the tonite show of blogging" and I set out to be the Jay Leno of the Blogosphere. When I look at what's had to happened to get to where I'm at
- a paycut at a day job
- leaving the country
- living in less than ideal circumstances
I realize it's persistence to see this thing through to the better end that matters more than anything. It's strange but despite everything that's been going on, I felt this sense of frustration that I'm not quite where I want to be with everything. But what has happened is that I've reached the point of no return. If I'm going to go down, I'm going to down in flames fighting like there's no tomorrow to emerge victorious. Clearly, I've lost my mind. It was great meeting you at Blogworld my friend. WE'll have to organize a meetup with the gang somewhere in paradise.
Hey there mate,
Looking at all the great things that were happening around you at BWE, I'd say it was a decision well worth taking mate. Happy and proud for you. :)
And yes, Costa Rica needs to be next on the agenda!
Danny,
I am so glad I had an opportunity to understand the 12 for 12K challenge. I had seen many references to the charitable effort, but didn't take time to wrap my mind around it until today's post. I'm so grateful for your vision, your persistence and your dynamic dyno that has improved the quality of life for so many through many great organizations. Well done, well done!
Hi there Mimi,
Thank you so much for your kind words, really appreciate them. I'm very fortunate in that I'm surrounded by amazing and talented people who want to use these talents for good.
And then for all the warm hearts that support us whenever we do something. None of what we do would happen without the support of the 12for12k army. :)
Speaking of which, we're launching our first charity for 2011 tomorrow - stay tuned! :)
Encouraged me today!
Danny I am starting a blog, building a small businss, changing from walker to climber to builder to more...
Appreciate this site.
Best regards Billy Delaney
Hey there mate,
Glad to hear it was helpful, and enjoying getting to know you and your writing, sir. Here's to more moments ahead. :)
Best to you.
Really got a laugh out of seeing The Big yin again.
he is funny.
Billy
Love the Chris Sharma example Danny---that guy is the ultimate lesson in what true 'paradigm shifts' are all about, and leaps of faith as well.
Cheers to the ones we've taken and the 'dynos' to come my friend.
Marcus
First time I saw Chris in motion, it was one of these "wow" moments, mate. Still is.
Keep on keep on, right? ;-)
I would add that in addition to being persistent you need to sustain your effort. Standing in the fire is important but you have to keep cranking the pump so that the water continues to pour.
Great points, mate. It's "easy enough" getting there; the trick is staying the course, as you rightly say.
Cheers, sir!
I agree with you Jack. And I'd add that sustaining the effort comes from knowing when to stop and rest; how to fill yourself back up; and surrounding yourself with people who reinforce your Dyno Vision rather than drain the energy that allows you to sustain the effort. Great post, Danny!
So true, Mimi (and Jack). Persistence, stamina and knowing when to recharge and who can reinforce the vision are all key! Thanks for the reminders!
So true, Mimi (and Jack). Persistence, stamina and knowing when to recharge and who can reinforce the vision are all key! Thanks for the reminders!
Danny
Persistence and vision is everything. It will happen and can happen. We just have to keep pushing for that dream. I will never give up. I just can't. I say go out kicking and screaming. At least I know I have been on a wild ride and lived. Posts like this just make me want to put in more effort.
Always love visiting your place.
Respect.
Love your passion, Kenny - and amen to having lived fully or not at all.
Cheers, sir!
Hi, Danny. I understand what you mean about vision and persistence. They are a good combination that keeps us going. Without these two, we would be floundering forever in what ifs and what could have been. All we really need to do is to take that first step or do that jump and we are on our way. :)
I used to be so afraid of making these kinds of decisions, mate. But then I realized that's why I wasn't getting anywhere.
And I hate to stand still... ;-)
Hope you're having a great weekend in Oz, fella!
Thanks for this article, Danny. It came at a good time for me: I needed a reminder that what counts is not just the vision, and not just the persistence, but the vision that persists in the face of difficulties. I needed to hear this today. Thanks for being an inspiration. You rock!
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