Hold Fervently to the Path, But Loosely to the Outcome

In our relentless pursuit of success, we often cling to a vision of the future, a definitive outcome we yearn to manifest. However, in my journey, both personally and as a strategic advisor, I've learned an invaluable truth: while it's crucial to commit passionately to our path, it's equally important to hold loosely to the outcome.

## The Path: A Testament to Intentionality and Action

The path symbolizes our journey – the strategies we devise, the actions we take, and the values we uphold. It's where the essence of the STRIVE methodology comes to life. In my experience with Iron Front Solutions and beyond, I've seen that the path is where we exercise control, applying our knowledge, skills, and resilience. It's in the steadfast commitment to this journey that we find true growth.

Fervently holding to our path means embracing intentional living, a concept deeply ingrained in the WayMaker Movement. It's about taking radical responsibility for our actions and decisions, consistently aligning them with our ultimate vision. This commitment to the path isn't merely about steadfastness; it's about adaptability and learning velocity – our ability to iterate and adapt in response to evolving situations.

## The Outcome: An Exercise in Adaptability and Openness

Outcomes, however, are a different game. They are often at the mercy of external forces – market dynamics, societal shifts, and other variables beyond our control. In [my podcast](https://jonmayo.com/podcast), I often discuss the importance of embracing the philosophy of '[Be Relentless](https://jonmayo.com/be-relentless)': to pursue one's goals with vigor, yet understand that the exact outcome might differ from our initial vision.

Holding loosely to outcomes is not about lowering standards or relinquishing ambition. Rather, it’s about acknowledging the fluid nature of life and business. It’s about being open to the possibility that the journey might lead us to a destination different from what we envisioned, yet equally, if not more, fulfilling.

## Balancing the Equation: Fervor and Flexibility

The harmony between holding fervently to the path and loosely to the outcome lies in understanding that while we can control our actions, we can't always control the results. This balance is echoed in the [Universal Learning Approach](https://jonmayo.com/ula), where the focus is on actionable steps rather than obsessing over the end result.

This approach fosters resilience. When we are too fixated on specific outcomes, we risk disappointment and inflexibility, potentially missing out on opportunities that lie just beyond our rigid expectations. By being open to different outcomes, we cultivate a mindset that is resilient, adaptable, and receptive to new possibilities.

## The Journey as the Destination

As I often emphasize in my [STRIVE methodology](https://jonmayo.com/strive) and my other writings, the journey itself holds intrinsic value. It's in the commitment to our path where we discover our strengths, learn from our challenges, and grow beyond our limitations. The outcome, while important, is merely a single point in the continuum of this journey.

As we stride forward in our respective paths, let us do so with fervor and intentionality, fully engaged in the process of growth and adaptation. And as for the outcomes, let us hold them with a gentle openness, ready to embrace the unexpected twists and turns that life invariably presents.

This, I believe, is the essence of living a maximized, extraordinary life – a life of purpose, value creation, and relentless pursuit of potential.

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*Further reading: [Why Leave It to Chance?](/blog/why-leave-it-to-chance) — the move, the ratchet, and the economic weight of flipping the question.*