“Set a goal, develop a strategy and work hard.” Many over-achievers have reached success by listening to this advice. As we continue on that path, set higher goals, take on more responsibilities, eventually, we reach a plateau and experience burnout. This approach is not scalable. In other words, what got us here would not get us much further.
But there is a better way.
Many of us in the business world rely on physical stamina and cognitive capabilities to achieve success while overlooking two extremely important and far more powerful human dimensions – emotion and spirit. We especially overlook or misunderstand the spiritual dimension because it is invisible. However, this is where the infinite human potential exists and where the true magic happens.
Cognitive intelligence centers around problem-solving by processing and analyzing existing information. When we set goals, we essentially predict the future by extrapolating from the past. Our mind then tries to control the outcome, unable to cope with ambiguity or uncertainty.
Spiritual intelligence is a much higher form of intelligence. It is connected to the universal creative energy. It can deliver the right insight to us at the precise moment when we need it. It is where brilliant ideas, deep human connections, unshakable self-confidence and the ability to create miracles come from. Unfortunately, this is the most underutilized human resource.
Equally fascinating is that while physical and cognitive capabilities require hard work to develop, spiritual intelligence came to us at birth which is why it is also called innate intelligence. Over the years, this innate intelligence is weakened as we become (cognitively) more intelligent. The irony is, the harder we work, the more we think (e.g. overthinking), the more stressed we become and the harder it is to access our innate intelligence.
Our emotions serve as a feedback mechanism connected to our body, mind, and spirit. When we are disconnected from our emotions, going through life is literally like driving a car without an instrument panel. If we are prepared to unlearn and relearn how to tap into this infinite human potential, we can achieve the unimaginable.
