Have you ever picked up a book, knowing ahead of time that if you honestly assess and implement what is being taught your routine will be disrupted? Have you let that knowledge cause you to hesitate because you are not sure you are willing to do what it takes? This is what I felt going into Thee Simple Things - Leading During Chaos. This book arrived on my doorstep on May 14th, 2020. I let it sit in my nightstand for nearly 3 months before I picked it up. Reading the book itself took less than two weeks. My hesitation was that I knew I would be convinced of the need to change, and I am not always comfortable being uncomfortable. Sometimes I talk a big talk about getting out of my comfort zone, but to be honest I do not always live it out. Well, now after reading this book, I get to work through another adjustment to my life. Time to get uncomfortable again.
In this book, Thom expands a principle of 5 pyramids which he introduced in Unbreakable - A Navy SEAL’s Way of Life These pyramids are key areas of a person’s life (physical, intellectual, wealth, relationship, and spiritual) which need focus and attention on a daily basis. The idea is that with intentional daily focus on all 5 of these pyramids our lives will be lived to the fullest.
The importance of systematically introducing the 5 pyramids and using a building process is critical. If someone starts off trying to implement all of Thom’s recommendations at the same time, success is highly unlikely. Another key here is that failure will occur, you may start believing the excuses in your head like, “this is stupid”, or “I forgot”, or “I do not have the support of my family and friends”. If failure is experienced, it is simply a learning opportunity. I have come to appreciate the fact that I just need to do things because I said I would, and excuses cannot hold me back.
If we look at the great men and women in history, we will see a story of failure after failure, but these people never quit. One quote from the book which I am adopting as a mindset for myself is, “Quitting is the worst disease known to mankind.” I may find myself needing to adjust my goals and vision, slow down my progress, or shift my approach. No matter how tempting it may be while I experience obstacles in life, I cannot let myself quit.
Just how much I apply the lessons from this book to change my life is yet to be seen. Of the leadership books I have read from and posted about to date, this is one about which I have taken the most notes. I have re-referenced this book multiple times just last week alone. I need to remind myself that change and growth are processes not destinations. If I someday reach my goal of whatever job, relationship status, fitness level, etc. which I have set out for myself, that goal is only one step in the continuation of a life well lived.
Anyone interested in being a better spouse, parent, leader, or follower can benefit from what Thom teaches in this book. Realize that we are not an island to ourselves. We all need mentors, mentees, and those around us who will help spur us on to building a better life for ourselves.