In a blog post that touches on comprehending context, adapted from his new book The Earned Life, renowned leadership coach and bestselling author Marshall Goldsmith explores how understanding is a major component in creating an earned life, a life of fulfillment.
Goldsmith writes: “Understanding is your knowledge of what to do and how to do it. Part of understanding is knowing the difference between good and not good enough—and accepting that in any situation, we can be one or the other.”
When you understand your enemy you can work out a strategy to succeed. This is a lesson Russia failed to comprehend before and during its unprecedented invasion of Ukraine, according to observers. Take air power.
Russia has almost 4,000 combat aircraft, and extensive experience bombing targets, and airpower should have been one of Russia’s greatest advantages over Ukraine. But three months into the war, the Russian air force is still fighting for control of the skies. Ukrainian forces are stronger than Russia anticipated, and the Ukrainians have adapted as fighting progressed. The winner is not determined, but Russia failed to understand its opponent.
Understanding is a powerful tool. In The Earned Life Goldsmith uncovers the source of today’s existential crises, including regrets that stem from choices that irrevocably alter our lives, reroute destinies, and haunt our memories. These are particularly timely themes today.
With Goldsmith’s book as a guide, readers can close the gap between what they plan to achieve and what they actually get done—even in a world full of inescapable unfairness and curveballs—and live an earned life that is fulfilling in the long run.
You can read Marshall Goldsmith’s blog here.
About MARSHALL GOLDSMITH
Marshall Goldsmith has been recognized for years as the world’s leading executive coach and the New York Times bestselling author of many books, including What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Mojo, and Triggers. He received his Ph.D. from the UCLA Anderson School of Management. In his coaching practice, Goldsmith has advised more than 200 major CEOs and their management teams. He and his wife live in Nashville, Tennessee.
About THE EARNED LIFE
In THE EARNED LIFE (Currency Books), Marshall Goldsmith uncovers the source of today’s existential crisis: regret, the kind stemming from choices that irrevocably alter our lives, reroutes destinies, and haunts our memories—particularly timely themes as the pandemic and Great Resignation inspire people to seek meaning in their lives, get unstuck and make changes. With this book as their guide, readers can close the gap between what they plan to achieve and what they actually get done—even in a world full of inescapable unfairness and curveballs—and live an earned life too fulfilling to dwell on the “what ifs.”
If you’d like more information on Marshall Goldsmith, The Earned Life, and his work, please get in touch with Lyda Goldsmith.
