FEATURE COVER STORY CONT .
“ Get rid of everything about you that isn ’ t aiming upward . Doing that as a practice can transform you into a completely different person .”
— Dr . Jordan Peterson
Peterson says we have inside us what it takes to overcome adversity in our lives and work , discovering greater success , better relationships , and personal growth as a result . The only way to reveal this is to confront the dragon . But why do some people become bitter in the face of challenges , and others emerge hopeful — better , even ? Peterson says , “ All of that ’ s dependent on your aim .”
Aim Upward
“ You perish in the landscape of hopelessness and fear without a vision . But we ’ re very bad at helping people develop a vision in our culture ,” Peterson explains .
He points to stories of Jacob ’ s ladder in the Bible and the fairytale of Jack and the Beanstalk . Both protagonists envision a higher heaven and climb toward it , defying challenges along the way . That ’ s the vision and aim we should have — upward and unlimited . “ Aim at the highest thing you can conceive of in everything you do . That ’ s your best bet practically : Orient yourself in the most stringent , disciplined , hopeful , courageous , and faithful manner possible ,” Peterson says .
If you ’ re unsure where to aim , think deeply about these questions : If you could have what you needed and wanted in work , life , and your relationships — within reason — what would it be ? What do you need to keep going another day , another year ?
The answers to those questions become your vision . As your focus sharpens , you ’ ll see a path forward .
“ You see the things that will help you , the things that will get in your way , and the opportunities for transformation ,” Peterson explains . “ The aim specifies the landscape , and that ’ s something remarkable to know .”
To face the dragon with everything we have , we must also face our fears and flaws . That ’ s the responsibility we take on in seeking life ’ s greatest treasure and opportunities .
For example , if you ’ re fighting with your spouse or experiencing a recurring conflict at work , meditate on what you might be
contributing to the problem . “ You have to want to know … and that ’ s a sacrificial offering ,” Peterson says . “ Get rid of everything about you that isn ’ t aiming upward . Doing that as a practice can transform you into a completely different person ,” he says .
The more you believe in your abilities and take responsibility for your vision , Peterson adds , “ the more resources you ’ ll find within yourself .”
Turning Struggle Into Strength
Peterson believes that facing our challenges with an upward aim isn ’ t just good for us individually ; it helps everyone we ’ re connected to — our family , business , and community .
“ If you had any sense , you would want what was best for you in a way that would be best for your family and the community . Good now , but also good next week , next year , and 10 years from now . Your vision would expand to take in broader vistas of time and more people in the community ,” Peterson says . “ If everyone took on that responsibility , God only knows what we can do collectively .”
As entrepreneurs and leaders , you already have a lot of faith in yourself and your community , motivated by a vision of possibility . But Peterson reminds us to open our eyes to the reality that every challenge is a steppingstone toward even greater success and fulfillment .
“ Take some time every day to aim up . Remember , everything you do is an up-aim . Everything . The way you talk to people , the way you look at your wife , the way you greet your customers , the orientation for the money you make , your attitude towards yourself , every single bit of that , all devoted to that upward aim ,” Peterson says . “ Then life reveals itself as an upward adventure — and that ’ s the truth .”
Scan the QR code to watch the full interview with Robin Robins and Dr . Peterson for free on our private MSP
Success Facebook Page .
Allison Troutner is a writer and frequent contributor to MSP Success . She has helped authors write Amazon best-sellers and works with nationally ranked universities .
16 | MSPSUCCESS . COM