In a blog post about taking action, the renowned leadership expert and bestselling author Marshall Goldsmith talks about how important it is to weigh opportunity and risks.
Goldsmith writes, “You can use the Triple A’s of Action, Ambition, and Aspiration to help consider options. Aspiration refers to what we do in the service of a higher purpose in our life. The time horizon for Aspiration is infinite — we always aspire; we are always becoming something and someone more. Ambition represents focus on achieving defined goals. It is time-bound, determined by how long it takes to achieve a goal. Action represents our activities at a specific moment in time. Action’s time horizon is immediate, forever in the Now. The risks we take in life should be the most informed decisions we make—because so much is at stake and the consequences can be life-changing.”
Russian president Vladimir Putin did not correctly calculate the risks when he invaded Ukraine. He saw only opportunity and not the resilience of the Ukrainians nor the weakness of his own military. Three months after launching its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has suffered repeated setbacks and Moscow’s isolation has deepened greatly. After failing to seize the capital, Kyiv, and topple the government, Russian forces have yet to secure a single major strategic gain even as their losses mount.
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.
