42 Comments
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Hege Kristoffersen's avatar

It’s so important to keep focusing on the long view. You’re very right Ryan! ✨

Samantha Dees's avatar

Thank you for this moment of nervous system regulation. When I tap into the feeling of the long term it feels easeful, steady, sure—not because of promised results but because it is linked to the quality of the journey. The long term has spaciousness to forgive, to iron out obstacles and to include unexpected blessings. I’m reminded I can loosen up and trust if I keep consistently coming back to my intentions, that’s enough. Thanks for your writing and the ways you show up. 🙏

Ryan Delaney's avatar

Wow, Samantha, this is so beautifully said. You understand the value of the long view. Thank you for reflecting on this.

Grace Drigo's avatar

Nailed it Ryan. I tend to be very impatient when it comes to long term goals. I so needed to hear this. 🩵

Ryan Delaney's avatar

I can relate, Grace. Patience is not easy, is it? You may consider experimenting with the word "constancy." I find it's easier to work with.

Louise Morris's avatar

Thank you, I needed to read this today. This place of transition I’m in is scary and there is a part of me that wants to fix it, to go get a job and have security and income and all of that, but I also know that in these weeks of creativity I’ve been the happiest I can ever remember. So I’m putting the nerves to the side and stepping into this for the long game.

Ryan Delaney's avatar

I admire you for your willingness to let go of the desire for security and trusting in the "happiest I can ever remember." With the right alignment, effort and putting yourself out there, you will find your way, Louise.

Sam Messersmith's avatar

Appreciate your share. It's inspiring. Keep going, for all of us!

Ryan Delaney's avatar

Thanks, Sam. Appreciate your words.

Sam Messersmith's avatar

Appreciate your words too!

Teri Leigh 💜's avatar

If I had known the super long-view of how all my efforts in 20+ years of business would cultivate into The Creator Retreat and working with you, I would've had a lot more patience with myself and been more calm with short-view choices. Hindsight is 20/20 right?

I do, however, believe something in me really did have a long-view to where we are now, because I didn't quit. I kept believing in something I could see or touch or know.

That's faith.

Ryan Delaney's avatar

I agree with you 100%.

If you had not had faith and trust and kept the light on through all the doubts, insecurities and setbacks, you would not be here today.

The Substack community is a better place because you never gave up and never gave in.

And here we are, delivering the first-ever Creator Retreat cohort!

Colin Durrant's avatar

I am just getting over the flu. It is driving me insane. :-( I can't do what I normally can.

Ryan Delaney's avatar

That rings loudly, Colin. The flu is the worst a healthy person will usually feel. I'm finally reclaiming my daily rituals, includig exercise after two weeks of misery and meh.

Hope you get back to doing what you normally do asap.

Colin Durrant's avatar

Thanks Ryan. Yes, I am trying to get back to my daily rituals. I guess it is a calling to slow down for a bit…

Yanni Charalambous's avatar

Empowering 👌

Ryan Delaney's avatar

Glad to hear, Yanni. :)

Damon Mitchell's avatar

When I read your writing, Ryan, it's like reading something an alternate-universe version of me wrote. It's like learning from myself.

That said, this version of me, the life I seem to be living, doesn't talk about "the long view," but it... erm, I get it. (Man, this alt-uni stuff gets confusing fast.)

Anyway, I take the long path to mean the path to dispassion, a letting go of all the seemingly necessary suffering over what is and what isn't, right now or even tomorrow.

There is only this unfolding this-ness, and everything is fine.

Ryan Delaney's avatar

It doesn't surprise me to hear that, knowing how much of our content has resonated with one another in our exchanges.

Dispassion is an excellent word for it. I've been relearning to be dispassionate in certain areas of my life, namely watching my stepson's soccer games. Equanimity is more fun.

Stefano's avatar

The long view is really impotent Ryan. I think we get caught up too much in short term thinking, and this doesn’t lead to the best decisions.

For me, the areas of my life I’m trying to prioritise the long view is in my work, writing, and relationships. The long view requires effort in the here and now, but as you say, missing one day or not being on top of it every single day is also okay. That’s helped me slow down and not put too much pressure on myself.

I really like the message you’re sharing, thank you for writing

Ryan Delaney's avatar

I appreciate your vulnerability in sharing what areas of your life you prioritize in the long run, Stefano. We'd all benefit from these areas. Thanks for your kind words.

P.S. "really impotent" made me laugh. 😂 Freudian slip? I hope you can laugh too.

Stefano's avatar

Hahhaa, that was accidental, but it worked I guess...

Tinashe D. Ndhlovu's avatar

A great essay, that highlights the value of patience and long-term thinking.

A great example is the difference between a leader and a manager in the workplace. A manager focuses on short-term goals, meeting deadlines, and solving immediate problems, while a leader takes the long view; mentoring employees, fostering innovation, and shaping a vision for sustainable success. Both perspectives are necessary for growth and stability. Thanks for this Ryan.

Ryan Delaney's avatar

I like your example. It clearly illustrates the difference between short and long-term thinking. As you say, both are necessary.

Alexander Lovell, PhD's avatar

WOW! Your metaphor of medieval artisans building cathedrals they would never see completed is beautiful and poignant. It really made me stop. Thank you for that moment.

It reminds us that everything in life is impermanent. We are all part of something bigger than ourselves, and our contributions will continue to ripple outward long after we're gone. 🩵

Ryan Delaney's avatar

I like that, Alex. Your thought helps complete the idea of the "long view."

I actually borrowed the idea of the artisan from a book or talk by Jack Kornfield. It has always stuck with me, too, only in a slightly different context.

Alexander Lovell, PhD's avatar

Thank you for that reference - I’ve read some of his work. I’ll see if I can find it!

Henrik Vierula's avatar

Great piece and important reminder. Thank you.

Sam Messersmith's avatar

Welcome back Ryan, glad you are feeling better.

I really appreciate your perspective on the long view. It's not something that comes to mind a lot, maybe that's why I get overwhelmed.

Ryan Delaney's avatar

I hear you and can relate, Sam.

Thank you.

Michelle Wells's avatar

Thanks Ryan. Really enjoyed this read.

Ryan Delaney's avatar

Thank you for your kind words, Michelle.

Tony V.'s avatar

This is such a powerful reminder, Ryan. I often find myself trapped in the urgency of short-term thinking, constantly racing to achieve goals, only to end up feeling overwhelmed and behind. I love the concept of the long view—cultivating patience and trusting that the seeds we plant today will eventually bear fruit. It’s a mindset I need to incorporate more into my life. The examples of Alcaraz and Keys really hit home, as their success isn’t just about the wins, but about the sustainable approach to growth. Thank you for this much-needed perspective. It’s a perfect call to slow down, trust the process, and enjoy the journey.

Ryan Delaney's avatar

I'm glad this landed, Anton. Thanks for the thoughtful feedback. 🙏🏻

TURBO GOTH's avatar

Keep asking 🔆🙏