Subtle Defeat | GiANT Perspectives

Subtle Defeat GiANT Perspectives

Giant Perspectives - The Tension & Thrill Of leadership

Jeremie Kubicek

Subtle Defeat

In my dealings with executives all over this country I find a commonality that needs to get exposed. I am not referring to alcoholic abuse or power plays, which certainly are common. Rather, I want to highlight the dulling of senses and the searing of consciences.

In most meetings with successful executives I hear angst and discontentment because they do not like who they have become. This usually doesn’t come out in the initial meeting, but, rather, in the depths of real relationships. As we spend more and more time together, these feelings of disappointment are revealed.

After analyzing these feelings I have concluded that most of these individuals have been subtly defeated by three things:

1. The cares of the world
2. The delight in riches
3. The desire for other things

It has caused these men to become unfruitful over time, and has seared their consciences from once clear truths. They then begin to focus on things that are not, ultimately, important, but, rather, things that are important to the upkeep of their “successful” lifestyles.

The cares of the world include an overwhelming concern for the urgency of their businesses or estates. They become consumed by tasks and management of the things they have accumulated. These “things” begin to consume the life that is in them and their heads get turned from important things to necessary things.
The delight in riches is one of the most dangerous. Seemingly everyday we hear stories of men who have come into wealth only to change who they are because of the status and power that comes with money.
Finally, the desire for other things comes when money or privilege allows them to do things that were once not possible. Art, adventure sports, and travel begin to take on more importance than ever before. Their conversations change and so do their priorities.

Thus, the headaches associated with managing their affairs, combined with the pleasures of wealth and the diversions of pleasure, captivate these men and create a lifestyle that must be maintained. Though there are temporary comforts in this type of lifestyle, it, ultimately, doesn’t meet the deep inner needs of the leader. The success they have felt doesn’t seem successful over time because it is inherently not significant to anyone for posterity.

Truth, then, begins to fade as a lit candle slowing dying. The truth they once knew and coveted begins to dim, and their life mission begins to look fuzzy. In gaining so much they have gained so little. The things they once coveted have created a subtle defeat to substance and a discontentment in the soul.

To live is to be. To be is to understand the greater things of life. These subtle killers are surmountable with an intentional desire to change and a group of helpers around you. To be significant and memorable for others is to be an influence for others’ benefit over your own. It is a new type of lifestyle that can be learned.

Choosing to live is a great choice. It takes a life of subtle defeat and turns it into a life of intentional living.

Posted on September 01, 2010 in Personal Growth

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http://dreamlearndobecome.blogspot.com This posting was made my Jim Jacobs, President & CEO of Jacobs Executive Advisors. Jim also serves as Leader of Jacobs Advisors' Insurance Practice.