[Flash] Finding Wisdom in 11 Answers

When author Tim Ferris turned 40, he was seeking answers for his life. So, he drafted 11 questions and sent them to 100 people asking for their wisdom. He then published their answers in a book entitled Tribe of Mentors.

Driven by my commitment to mentor (and my birthday), I decided to explore these questions. 

(1) What are the books you've given most as a gift, or what books have greatly influenced your life?

• The Magic of Thinking Big by David J Schwartz
• The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
• Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
• Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
• Think Again by Adam Grant
• Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
•  

(2) What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last six months?

My bicycle bell by Pro Bike Tool. After three decades of pedaling, I've finally stopped shouting "On your left!" to walkers on the bike path. Now I ring the bell, wave, and say, "Good morning!" 

(3) How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a "favorite failure" of yours?

I launched a woman's conference in 2004 entitled "Women's Economic Power Day." I expanded it in 2005, 2006, and 2007 to eight cities across the country. I proceeded with passion but without any plan. As a result, it was not sustainable, nor did I make any money. But I became an entrepreneur and a keynote speaker in the process. And I met some amazing women, many of whom I still count as friends today!

(4) If you could have a gigantic billboard anywhere with anything on it - metaphorically speaking, getting a message out to millions or billions - what would it say?

You are never stuck. 

(5) What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you've ever made?

The partnership with my husband. He gives me the space and grace to approach life as an adventure. 

(6) What is an unusual habit or an absurd thing that you love?

Moving turtles off the road and freeing spiders from my house (and inevitably talking to them as I relocate these creatures). 

(7) In the last five years, what new belief, behavior, or habit has most improved your life?

Every morning while walking my dogs, I listen to books on Audible. I've experienced profound and compelling books that I used to feel guilty about not reading.

(8) What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the "real world"?

No one will ever be as obsessed with your success as you are. So, don't wait for permission to take chances. Constantly improve yourself and your environment. Stop trying to impress everyone else. Just impress yourself. And seek to be of service - use your work to make a difference.

(9) What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

I cringe when I hear, "We should wait. People are too busy..." No, they're not. They might be too distracted, derailed, or disorganized, but people are never too busy for what is important to them! It's not time we need more of... it's meaning.

(10) In the last five years, what have you become better at saying no to (distractions, invitations, etc.)? What new realizations and/or approaches helped?

Big parties or dinners. I realize how much I enjoy connecting in tiny groups replete with soul-filling conversations rather than constantly practicing my how-to-win-friends-and-influence-people skills in large gatherings. And frankly, I'm exhausted trying to make everyone happy. 

(11) When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do?

I ask, "Why am I doing this? What's the point? And will it matter next week, next month, or next year?" And I usually ask these questions while biking or walking my dogs.

This Reflection.

When I started this exercise, I intended to simply share some wisdom on my birthday.

But then I found myself pausing to reflect on and deeply appreciate my journey. And by articulating my insights, I substantially reinforced my learnings and even bolstered my confidence.

Sharing wisdom is its own development experience and ultimately an integral part of every Mentor's growth journey (despite our fervent focus on the Mentees' growth!).  

© 2021. Ann Tardy and Mentor Lead. www.mentorlead.com