Through Guy’s Eyes – Cynical about cynics

Cynics and sceptics. I have my reservations about both of them. Here’s why: it’s only when your heart is wide open that you become aware of the massive possibilities that are always ahead, whereas it takes no courage to be cynical. It’s a copout.

And yet, it’s a sad truth that our current culture promotes a sort of jadedness. It’s not fashionable to be overly enthusiastic – not when there are so many things you can complain about.

But here’s another truth: if you keep focusing on the same old, same old, you’ll keep doing the same old, same old. And in a business environment such as the one we’re currently operating in, that’s essentially suicide.

I raise this now because the beginning of the year almost always gives us a surge of optimism – but, after a month, it’s easy to forget that feeling as frustration with clients and deadlines takes over.

My message is this: maintain the magic. It’s essential not only for your happiness, but also for your success. It’s only if you dream that you can disrupt – and, as I’ve said before, disruption is the most powerful weapon in the arsenal of today’s businesses. It’s no coincidence that I called my own company Tabula Rasa (Pty) Ltd (trading as Blueprints): we’re all about blank slates and renewal.

Of course, the thought of letting go of everything you know is terrifying. That’s the payoff for holding on to it: you get to stay safe. But there’s another, unintended consequence which is this: as risky as it is to let go, it’s even more risky to stand still. Play it safe, and you could become irrelevant – fast.

I agree that it’s easier to take the leap if you have a blueprint of where you’re heading. And that’s precisely what Blueprints offers: a way to take a structured risk and make a real transformation.

Let us show you how.