The Domino Effect
“For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe, the horse was lost. For want of a horse, the rider was lost. For want of a rider, the battle was lost. For want of a battle, the kingdom was lost. And all for want of a horseshoe nail. ”
–George Herbert —
My Dad used to recite this poem to us as kids (fairly irritating, as I recall) but he used it to illustrate that every action, or omission – no matter how small, has it’s consequences. To us it also illustrated just how easily things would slide into each other when they’re stacked up in the right sequence. We realised that just like the Babushka dolls and Domino trails we used to play with, you need to plan your moves carefully in advance. When you line up a sequence or procedure with forethought for the best effect, you’re more likely to achieve satisfying results. The catch is you have to be aware that every link counts. Each singular and separate part is needed to fit into and help build the bigger picture, no matter how insignificant it may appear to be on it’s own … and we skip steps at our peril.
For me it was the same with affecting change. I’ve always believed we can achieve seemingly unattainable goals by approaching them patiently and persistently. Proceeding step by well-considered step along planned trails with an eye towards our ultimate goal. Ahh – what a load of hogwash .
1. It’s easy to stand at the top of a hillock and look back over the muddy trail you took through the swamp – then map it. You can even convince yourself that that was the best and most direct approach, it doesn’t matter if you went from New York to Los Angeles via London – you still got there, didn’t you, and it’s ultimately achieving the goal that matters – isn’t it ?
2. It’s also easy to sit around the picnic table before venturing forward , before even dipping a toe in the muddy water, and carefully plan the route. But, it’s not so easy to follow those beautifully crafted instructions when your plans are covered in bog slime and you’re up to your elbows in Alligators.
That’s reality. Change is a messy adventure and we don’t like mess. We like concrete expressways with road signs and clearly marked distances to the next off ramp. People who want to blaze trails through unexplored jungles don’t usually choose an 8 – 5 job with good pension plans, extended holidays, a dowdy dress-code and clients that are younger than them. Except maybe Indiana Jones.
