I have a fondness for paradoxes. I find them interesting, intriguing and sometimes even amusing.
One of the paradoxes is the one about working agile and lean while at the same time lamenting the lack of progress.
Why is it that we often judge something that is work-in-progress as a failure because it’s not the finished article yet? It is a great disconnect.
What we could be discussing instead is success-in-progress; assume that we’re on our way to something great and that every step that moves us one step closer towards that goal is a success worth celebrating.
It would be so much more productive.
The trouble with work-in-progress is the same as the difference between people who see things black or white and those of us who enjoy the nuances; it is super hard to agree whether something is good or bad – for one everything will (most likely) look like a disaster where to the other one it’s a step towards something better but nevertheless a step.
The good thing about discussing success-in-progress rather than work-in-progress is that the extra positive connotation to it brings more energy into the endeavour; it enable those who are working to finally get there – to the Promised Land – to feed on the excitement of their surroundings rather than murmours and complaints.
Because after all: What brings us closer to where we all want to be? Positive spurring on or complaints or just plain indifference?
Is it even a question?
Hattip: Paul Graham
(Photo: Pixabay.com)