The Virtues (and Vices) of Thrashing

In any endeavor worthy of your time and talents you'll face challenges, obstacles, and problems. There's a time and there's a place for educating yourself, preparing, and planning for these moments. There's also a time to dive in and thrash your way to clarity and resolution.

Thrashing is the process of learning, iterating, and improving by doing. This needs to be done strategically, with intention, and in service to the change, you seek to make. Without having a goal in mind and a clear idea of what success looks and feels like, thrashing can become exhausting and frustrating.

Thrashing can also become a seductive invitation to hide in busy-work and avoid the more important emotional labor of connecting and collaborating with those who need you.

Done well and done right, thrashing can be exhilarating and encourage a greater sense of flourishing. In addition to bringing your endeavor into clearer focus, this approach encourages forward motion and builds resilience.

If the term "thrashing" doesn't resonate, replace it with "dancing," "testing," or any other word that works for you.

Whatever you want to call it, here are some further tips for effective and efficient thrashing.

• Know what your thrashing is for. Have a specific goal in mind and a clear idea of what success looks and feels like.
• Know who your thrashing is for. It's for those you seek to serve. The sooner you gain clarity on who that is and how you can enhance their lives the sooner you can all thrive more and stress less.
• Know what the promise of thrashing is. If done early, quickly, and intentionally, thrashing will help you make the most of what you have and where you're at now.

Again, thrash early and only as often as necessary, but most of all thrash with intention and integrity.

Keep flying higher together!

*This is an excerpt from the book, Endeavor: Cultivate Excellence While Making a Difference.

Scott Perry, Chief Difference-Maker at Creative on Purpose

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