The Next Step
On Resilience and Falling Forward
In the novel 'Oathbringer' by Brandon Sanderson (which, by the way, is an awesomely packed book belonging to an awesome series) one of my favourite characters in any book, Dalinar Kholin, says something quite profound:
The most important words a man can say are, “I will do better.” These are not the most important words any man can say. I am a man, and they are what I needed to say. The ancient code of the Knights Radiant says “journey before destination.” Some may call it a simple platitude, but it is far more.
A journey will have pain and failure. It is not only the steps forward that we must accept. It is the stumbles. The trials. The knowledge that we will fail. That we will hurt those around us. But if we stop, if we accept the person we are when we fall, the journey ends. That failure becomes our destination. To love the journey is to accept no such end. I have found, through painful experience, that the most important step a person can take is always the next one.
- Dalinar Kholin, Oathbringer (by Brandon Sanderson)
There is so much that can be said about these words, but that is not the focus of this newsletter. My focus today, however; lies on that very last statement, and the profound lesson that it carries for all of life's dealings. Please stick with me, you'll understand.
We have often heard - and have also been taught, that the most important step in anything is usually the first one. Quotes such as this one:
"The Journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step"
- Lao Tzu
and this other one:
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for.”
- Albert Einstein
... have often been used to teach us the importance of startings and beginnings - of starting the company, business, dream, relationship and other such things.
We know this is good because many humans with near-endless potentials are usually predisposed to inertia and may need some motivation, and encouragement to take a step in the direction of our dreams. While this is necessary and is something we all need to hear at some point if we are to ever do great things; have you considered that the most difficulties arise within the journey itself?
Those times when you would want to give up on that relationship with a friend or companion,
Those times when the new business you just launched looks like it's about to crumble,
Those times when the dream you have decided to devote yourself to chasing seems out of reach.
In those times, you realize then that the most important step isn't the first or the last; but the very next step. It is that ability to keep moving in spite of difficulty, and that resilient spirit that makes us the strong humans that we are.
When we come to a realization that all journeys are made of crests and troughs, and that because of the world we live in, there is no worthwhile adventure that doesn't come with its own moments of dip (see what I did there, crypto folks); we brace ourselves to not only treasure the journey, but to also know that we must get up when we fall, we must move beyond even our own mistakes, and always keep the main thing, the main thing.
Startings are good and needful - We need to be ever reminded of how Fortune favours those who take a step, and how those who move are much better than they that don't.
Endings are also a good thing - There is almost no feeling like a successful conclusion/finish, and better is the end of a thing than its beginning.
But perhaps the most important moments lie in between these two.
Those moments when your grit is being tested.
Those moments when your conviction and your resolutions to your dream, business, friendship or idea all seem to be under siege.
Those moments when you make mistakes in the midst of your pursuit of something greater, something worthwhile.
It is in those moments you must remember the painfully wise words of Dalinar (if you read the books you’ll understand why I used painfully):
"A journey will have pain and failure. It is not only the steps forward that we must accept. It is the stumbles. The trials. The knowledge that we will fail. That we will hurt those around us. But if we stop, if we accept the person we are when we fall, the journey ends. That failure becomes our destination. To love the journey is to accept no such end. I have found, through painful experience, that the most important step a person can take is always the next one."
Do not allow failure to become your destination.
Push.
Persevere.
Accept your stumblings, and own them.
And take the next step.
Till I see you again next week, do not allow the week to drain you of joy and colour.
Tend to your heart. Stop and smell the roses. Remember your Journey.
Yours in Beauty and Wonder,
James, TheDescriptor.
A Few Thoughts:
Today's newsletter focus was on a quote from one of my favourite books - Oathbringer, by Brandon Sanderson. It's the third in an epic series called the Stormlight Archive (which currently includes Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, Oathbringer and Rhythm of War). It's awesome, has a solid plot, and has a lot of heavy-hitting discussions and quotes. Check them out on Amazon, or anywhere you purchase books - you won’t regret it!
I'm giving a special shout-out to the amazing Jem Abulhawa, who is the lead designer and co-founder at Yalla Cooperative, and who writes beautifully on Twitter. From workflows and design thoughts. to tips on storytelling and growth, to lessons from piano and even games, she writes with imagery, simplicity and a weird authentic personality. She's crazy, and I think you should follow her here.
And that’s all for this week folks! if you resonated with this issue, don’t forget to like, share and consider subscribing to this newsletter, where I share thoughts and tips on finding wisdom and wonder in unexpected places, and being human in the midst of life’s madness.
I’ll see you again soon!