We tend to like choices that are simple and easy. We like the ease of “either/or” questions. Things are easier if the choice is one or the other. But are you asking the wrong question?
Many times “either/or” questions lead us in the wrong direction. When we instead substitute the word “and” for “either/or” and do the tougher work of figuring out how both sides can be right, we get closer to the truth.
I was reminded of the importance of “and” questions when I recently saw a poster of Yoda and later that day read a quote from success guru Tony Robbins.
Yoda’s poster shared his simple view on success—“Do or do not, there is no try.” Simple translation: Doing is what success is all about.
Motivational expert Tony Robbins’ quote was simple as well—“It’s not about achieving the goal, it’s about who you have to become in order to achieve it.” Simple translation: Success is more about who you grow to be than it is what you do.
So who is right? Yoda or Tony? What if they’re both right?
Sorry Yoda, but I believe trying is really important because we learn from every step along the way.
And sorry Tony, but the becoming alone isn’t all there is. I believe we are meant to create and grow. What we do as we feel, think, speak, write, and act all matter.
I believe true success comes for each of us as we connect what we do to who we are becoming. Both doing and being matter equally.
They matter so much that I wrote a book about how to do it: Be Chief: It’s a Choice, Not a Title.
Most importantly, the next time anyone confronts you with an “either/or” question you might choose to substitute an “and” to see where the truth lies for you.