(Newswire.net — November 10, 2017) — While he is acclaimed for his theories of relativity, both general and special, in recent weeks, Albert Einstein has returned to the mainstream headlines because of another theory that is light on physics and formulas, and there isn’t an integer or exponent in sight: his “theory of happiness.”
The theory — which Einstein scribbled quickly on a note in 1922 and gave to a hotel bellboy in lieu of a tip — advises that “a calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.” And while it’s unknown whether the bellboy in question heeded Einstein’s sage wisdom, his decedents are quite pleased by the fact that the note was sold at an auction for a cool $1.3 million.
Now at first glance, and perhaps second and third as well, this is one of those pleasant human-interest diversions that we all need every now and then to punctuate the dreadful news (economy, politics, health, and so on) that we’re subjected to 247/365 on any device that we choose. But like most things Einstein-ish, including his carefully cultivated image including that mane of wild hair, there is more to the story, and those who dig deeper are soon to encounter extra layers of intelligence and insight.
In this light, and (mercifully) without having to crack open a textbook and conjure up high school physics class trauma, here are three business lessons inspired by Einstein’s theory of happiness:
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Be Realistic
The words “calm and modest” don’t appear on any mission statements — and for good reason. They’re not particularly inspiring, and it’s hard to imagine a coach at halftime rousing his players to “go out there in the second half and be calm and modest!”
However, translated into more practical terms, calm and modest can be viewed as a call to be realistic. That is, businesses can (and frankly, should) have ambitious aspirations and aggressive goals, but they shouldn’t paradoxically undermine their own success by aiming for unrealistic achievements.
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Don’t Pursue Success at all Costs
It goes without saying that all businesses “pursue success” in one form or another. However, when businesses lose sight of their principles and values in a relentless pursuit of revenues, they invariably make decisions that are expedient in the short-term, but very costly in the long-term.
For example, they expand too quickly, focus too much on unprofitable (or excessively demanding and unreasonable) customers, refuse to pay for required talent, and so on. Often businesses that have the discipline and courage to dial down revenues when it’s strategically wise to do so, experience short-term pain followed by very rewarding long-term gain.
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Stay Focused
Businesses that are “constantly restless” almost always end up making regrettable decisions, whether by adding or dropping a product line, onboarding or terminating a customer or strategic partner, and so on. Basically, they react to events rather than respond to them; or better yet, create them.
The advice here is simple to describe, but challenging to activate: stay focused, and avoid bounding from one strategic plan or business model to another. Yes, it’s fine (and often necessary) to change and adapt. But this should be done with clarity, not due to chaos.
The Bottom Line
Whether your business provides professional services, ecommerce order fulfilment solutions, the world’s best travel coffee mug — or anything else of value that helps people solve problems and achieve goals — keeping the above in mind will help you stay on course, remain on-track, and trend in the right direction. Einstein would approve!