The other 90 percent
Unlocking leadership and life excellence
Description
Human intelligence and spirit are vastly underutilized, with a mere 10% or less being actively engaged. This suggests a vast reservoir of 90% untapped potential that, if harnessed, could significantly enhance our achievements. The challenge lies not in doing more of the same but in discovering innovative ways to leverage this dormant 90%. Despite centuries of belief in human limitations, recent scientific breakthroughs challenge this notion.
However, the old mindset of constraints continues to hinder our access to extraordinary possibilities, leaving us overwhelmed by stress and uncertainty. Despite our efforts and sacrifices, we often fall short of our aspirations. Yet, there's a different path. The true frontier lies within, where untapped potential and destiny await. Only you can fulfill your unique destiny, as echoed by Robert Cooper. Nelson Mandela also inspires us, highlighting the lack of fulfillment in playing it safe and not living to our fullest potential.
Table of contents
01Building reliability
Throughout the annals of human history, the most profound moments of enlightenment and learning have emerged when individuals have boldly chosen to forge their own paths, to live according to their own unique principles, rather than meekly treading the well-worn paths laid out by the masses.
This same concept holds true on a personal scale; to surpass the ordinary, one must cultivate an independent spirit and possess the courage to distinguish oneself from the crowd. A life marked by productivity is not the result of grand, sweeping gestures, but rather the culmination of a series of small, deliberate daily decisions.
There exists a vast chasm between merely fantasizing about a life filled with purpose and the tangible reality of living such a life. The instincts of the human brain incline us towards the comfort of routine, and without the deliberate intervention of our intellect to counter this predisposition, we find ourselves ensnared in a cycle of repetition, reliving the past over and over.
To break free from this natural aversion to change, one should pose the following introspective questions to oneself: "What is the single most extraordinary achievement I have realized this week?" and "What is the single most extraordinary goal I am setting for myself for the coming week?" By establishing a ritual of a weekly self-reflection session to ponder these questions, one can sidestep the trap of settling into a complacent routine that offers no impetus for personal growth. This practice also serves to recognize and appreciate the support and contributions of others in our personal journey each week.
Orison Marden once remarked, "Deep within humans dwell those slumbering powers; powers that would astonish them, that they never dreamed of possessing; forces that would revolutionize their lives if aroused and put into action." Indeed, the pinnacle of reasoning and the most brilliant flashes of creativity are ignited when the three centers of human intelligence—the brain, the heart, and the gut—operate in a harmonious and synergistic fashion.
The brain within our cranium is hardwired to perceive the negative, to be vigilant against potential dangers, and to magnify adverse messages while remaining alert to threats to our well-being, living by the adage "Better safe than sorry." The brain within our heart is constantly scanning for new possibilities and a deeper comprehension of what is truly significant to us. With each novel idea, it assesses the level of coherence with our personal value system and then disseminates those feelings throughout our nervous system as the blood circulates. The brain within our gut, whether we are conscious of it or not, generates a visceral response to every interaction we encounter in life—be it a sensation of tension or excitement in our intestines. These gut feelings then shape our subsequent actions.
Our most judicious decisions are made when we consider the feedback from all three components of this gut-heart-brain dynamic. Whenever we are faced with a choice, it is imperative to contemplate what our gut and heart are contributing to our mind's insights. Our choices will invariably be more sound if they are in harmony with the input from all three intelligence centers.
02Power dynamics
Energy manifests in two distinct forms: tense energy, characterized by feelings of stress, pressure, and anxiety, and calm energy, which is associated with feelings of alertness, optimism, and a readiness to enact positive changes. To enhance your productivity and overall well-being, it's crucial to cultivate more calm energy in your life while reducing the levels of tense energy. This might seem counterintuitive, but achieving more often means consciously deciding to do less. This involves incorporating regular, strategic pauses into your routine to recharge, rather than relentlessly pushing forward.
A well-executed strategic pause that boosts your calm energy should encompass seven key activities. Begin by relaxing and gradually deepening your breath, as your emotional state is closely linked to your breathing patterns. Next, alleviate any strain on your eyes by gazing out of a window or focusing on something that offers a refreshing change of scenery for a few minutes. Altering your posture by standing, stretching, and walking around for a short period can also be beneficial. Hydrating with a sip of ice water every half hour is another simple yet effective way to rejuvenate. Engaging in a moment of laughter with someone you enjoy being around can significantly elevate your energy levels, making you more alert and providing a healthier perspective on life. Introducing a source of inspiration into your break, something that reminds you of your goals or motivates you to keep moving forward, can also be incredibly uplifting. Lastly, choosing a smart snack, such as a handful of almonds or raisins, nonfat yogurt, or a whole-grain cracker, can provide the energy boost you need without the drawbacks of a high-fat alternative.
03Visionary insight
Focusing excessively on the minutiae of daily challenges can significantly detract from our ability to grasp the broader perspective of our lives, leading to a diminished capacity for accurate perception. It is, therefore, essential to allocate time periodically to contemplate ambitious dreams that are broad and far-reaching. Such dreams have the power to unlock the latent capabilities of the human spirit, which often remain dormant. They serve as a source of empowerment and inspiration, pushing us to transcend the ordinary and achieve the extraordinary. These dreams invigorate us, elevating our spirits and fueling a deep-seated drive to accomplish remarkable feats. Even in instances where these grand dreams are not entirely realized, the journey towards them invariably transforms us, prompting us to extend beyond our perceived limitations.
To maintain a steadfast focus on the formulation and subsequent realization of these grand aspirations, it is advisable to adhere to several practices. Firstly, maintaining written records of your commitments can significantly aid in keeping your mind attuned to your dreams. Secondly, endeavor to align the majority of your daily activities with your overarching dreams as much as feasibly possible. Thirdly, adopt an action-oriented approach by eliminating any barriers that impede your progress towards your dreams. Additionally, consistently question the feasibility of your dreams by asking, "Why not?" or "Why is this deemed impossible?" Furthermore, documenting your grand dreams in a daybook or journal and continuously refining your vision can be incredibly beneficial. Lastly, it is crucial to critically assess the value of your time and energy, contemplating whether the tasks at hand are truly worthy of a portion of your life.
04Courage and resilience
Life's most challenging moments and adversities are, in essence, pivotal junctures that cultivate our abilities and mental fortitude, unlocking our latent potential. Each encounter with adversity presents an opportunity for learning, some more subtly disguised than others. Confronting rigorous tests and obstacles allows us to forge mental, physical, and emotional resilience. To extract the utmost from oneself and others in stressful situations, a tripartite strategy is advisable:
Firstly, maintaining composure is crucial. Emotionally responding to adversity sets the tone for our overall reaction and eventual outcome. It is imperative to approach each challenge with a serene energy, relaxing and orienting our thoughts towards finding effective solutions. Secondly, analyzing the evidence and exploring alternative solutions is essential. Understanding the true magnitude of the challenge at hand helps us navigate the situation. Pondering questions such as how the adversity will affect other facets of our lives and how long it will persist allows for a comprehensive grasp of the circumstances. Thirdly, decisiveness and proactive engagement are key. Initiating action in a crisis generates positive momentum and focus. Concentrating on specific steps to regain control and minimize potential fallout is crucial. Acting quickly contributes to a more positive emotional response, but timing and actions must alleviate stress rather than exacerbate it.
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