Love those examples in particular of Keys and Alcaraz. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that they are both accomplished but also among the most-liked on their tours. I think there’s a correlation to the long game mindset and a genuine calmer demeanor that’s easier to be around.
Thought provoking- I’m planting seeds now that aren’t going to bear fruit for a while so it’s a great reminder.
"Genuine calmer demeanor that's easier to be around." I agree 100%. It gives us inner calm and others feel that lack of fear and urgency in us.
I knew you of all people would appreciate the Keys and Alcaraz examples. Athletic greatness aside, how can one not love watching someone who loves playing the game, win or lose.
I don’t know anyone who isn’t challenged with patience, Nancy. If it helps, I found my teacher’s word “constancy” easier to work with than “patience,” which has a sort of “biding my time/biting my tongue” quality.
Thoroughly enjoyable read. Love the nail analogy, and also the 10000 to-dos which are always hiding behind the current list of to-dos!
Lots of awesome stuff here which serves as a brilliant reminder to zoom out, I think it’s easy to get sucked in on 10x zoom and lose ourselves in the details - which are important - but equally as important is to step back and take in the whole view!
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. 🙏
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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. 🩵
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.
Great article, Ryan. 👏
Love those examples in particular of Keys and Alcaraz. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that they are both accomplished but also among the most-liked on their tours. I think there’s a correlation to the long game mindset and a genuine calmer demeanor that’s easier to be around.
Thought provoking- I’m planting seeds now that aren’t going to bear fruit for a while so it’s a great reminder.
"Genuine calmer demeanor that's easier to be around." I agree 100%. It gives us inner calm and others feel that lack of fear and urgency in us.
I knew you of all people would appreciate the Keys and Alcaraz examples. Athletic greatness aside, how can one not love watching someone who loves playing the game, win or lose.
I appreciate your thoughtful comment.
So true. The love of the game, purely, shines through for them. That too probably is assisted with a patient mindset.
Thanks for writing this!
Great reminder Ryan. I need lots of practice at this. I'm not nearly as patient as I wish I was.
I don’t know anyone who isn’t challenged with patience, Nancy. If it helps, I found my teacher’s word “constancy” easier to work with than “patience,” which has a sort of “biding my time/biting my tongue” quality.
What do you think?
It’s so important to keep focusing on the long view. You’re very right Ryan! ✨
Thanks, Hege.
Thoroughly enjoyable read. Love the nail analogy, and also the 10000 to-dos which are always hiding behind the current list of to-dos!
Lots of awesome stuff here which serves as a brilliant reminder to zoom out, I think it’s easy to get sucked in on 10x zoom and lose ourselves in the details - which are important - but equally as important is to step back and take in the whole view!
Thanks for sharing 🙏
What an insightful reflection, Oliver. You understand the imperative to look up once in a while. :)
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. 🙏
Wow, Samantha, this is so beautifully said. You understand the value of the long view. Thank you for reflecting on this.
Nailed it Ryan. I tend to be very impatient when it comes to long term goals. I so needed to hear this. 🩵
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.
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.
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.
Appreciate your share. It's inspiring. Keep going, for all of us!
Thanks, Sam. Appreciate your words.
Appreciate your words too!
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.
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!
I am just getting over the flu. It is driving me insane. :-( I can't do what I normally can.
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.
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…
Empowering 👌
Glad to hear, Yanni. :)
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.
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.
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
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.
Hahhaa, that was accidental, but it worked I guess...
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.
I like your example. It clearly illustrates the difference between short and long-term thinking. As you say, both are necessary.
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. 🩵
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.
Thank you for that reference - I’ve read some of his work. I’ll see if I can find it!
Great piece and important reminder. Thank you.
Thanks, Henrik.
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.
I hear you and can relate, Sam.
Thank you.