Is life really “suffering?” That’s a recurring theme in this international best selling book by Jordan Peterson. If we stipulate that life is, at the very least, challenging, what does Peterson suggest as his “antidote to chaos?” What does he prescribe to make life positive and difference making, and what simple things can construction leaders – any business leaders – do to inspire themselves and others?
Please join Wayne this week as he does a quick book review focusing on Rule 2, “Treat Yourself Like Someone You’re Responsible for Helping” and relates why Peterson’s self-help book is perfectly apt for entrepreneurs seeking to grow their companies.
We welcome your thoughts and comments. Thank you.
A new Contractor Business Boot Camp class starts on Oct 21st, 2021 in Raleigh. Invest in your rising high-potential leaders and prepare them for the leadership skills they’ll need to excel. Please contact Charlotte at ckopp@familybusinessinstitute.com to learn more about the program and the limited time early bird pricing.
Mario Smith says:
Hello Wayne,
The concept of “life is suffering” comes from Hindu and Buddhist thought. Unfortunately, translations are usually imperfect particularly when the language being translated is 2,600 years old. There are some translators that would say the meaning is closer to “life is unsatisfactory.” The idea is that this unsatisfactory condition is borne from the human tendency of being attached to a particular outcome. Our present becomes unsatisfying because it invariably does not meet our preconceived expectations.
I totally agree with you that as managers we need to give direction to our organizations. The values, vision and mission model is a great tool, and we are currently implementing it. I think as owners and managers it is helpful to think about not being overly attached to a particular outcome once the values, vision and mission is set. Open mindedness might be the antidote to the “suffering” that comes when things eventually unfold differently than what we expected.
Wayne Rivers says:
Excellent, Mario! Peterson didn’t mention the origin of his theme, and I was ignorant of the eastern religion connection. Thank you.
Craig Martin says:
Wayne– Thanks for your comments. The “worthiness” portion was powerful.
Wayne Rivers says:
Glad you liked it, Craig!