Still thinking about the concept of Fundamental vs. Instrumental Choices as proposed by Daniel Pink. I wrote an entry about this concept a couple of days ago. I wonder how many of us make choices based on Instrumental Reasons because we believe we can control our destiny. I certainly find myself giving into this false sense of security often enough; planning, scheming, and sacrificing the present moment for a potential future pay-off.
Our recent economic developments have taught us a powerful lesson about the uncontrollability of our environment. Trying to control the uncontrollable seems like a sure recipe for creating a stressful life. As soon as things do not work out as planned we get reminded how fragile our ability to control our destiny truly is.
David McClelland, thought leader of the Achievement theory, found that successful entrepreneurs choose carefully how to challenge themselves. They make choices based on their talents and passions, shying away from risks they perceive as too uncontrollable, such as relying with their plans too heavily on their environment. I remember one of the participants of my Ph.D. Study on successful entrepreneurship reflecting on choosing his time wisely and meaningfully by quoting Henry David Thoreau: “The cost of something is measured by how much life you have to give for it”.
How much life are you willing to give for a potential future pay-off?
Technorati Tags: Control,Making Choices,Achievement Theory
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