Linearity: The Obvious Myth

That think we know we do but still do it anyway

This week marks the first time in 3 weeks that I’ve gotten to ride my bike. Riding my bike means the world to me. It’s where I go to think, push myself, and visit the zone. It’s a great distraction from things that emotional ail you, and at the same time a productive way to confront those ailments as well. Let’s just say I’m glad to be back. And spinning tires, get my mind spinning which leads us to an observation — and giant pet peeve of mine.

I cycle aggressively (apologies if you’ve met me at full sprint). I’m really observant and locked in. One of the things I notice most is pedestrians crossing bike lanes (cars too). If I had to guesstimate some percentages, I’d put “looking straight ahead while crossing” in the 90th percentile for expected pedestrian behaviors. When you grew up as kids in the 90’s, one of the first things you learned besides never talk to strangers, was to look both ways when you cross a street. Back then, we weren’t glued to screens, but still.

In today’s society, everyone is on their phone all the time. The pedestrians I’m complaining about, and the cars barreling towards them. It’s really hard to believe we don’t have more accidents. It’s crazier then that though. Would you believe there’s a 50/50 chance someone will cross the street looking down at their phone, or that they’ll be looking straight ahead without it ever occurring to them to know what’s to the left or right? Again, I’m making up stats, but just trust me on this. We really have lulled ourselves either into a false sense of safety and security, or our willful ignorance just expects the other person to be looking out for us even if we won’t do it ourselves.

This observation — watching people stare across the street at where they want to go without even considering or expecting that things on the track might knock them off theirs. It’s deeply meta for me. I just gave a talk to the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) which was a recycled speech that I originally prepared for Skillshare’s companywide meeting. The talk was called “Against Passion.” And, before the air gets sucked out of the room, I am not actually against passion as a useful tool. We’ll talk about this another time.

In so many ways, we can follow our hearts, our curiosities, and talents. The antithesis of linearity in life.

One of the reason’s I wrote that speech was to surface a new reality that emerged from the 2008 financial crisis. That new reality was that people didn’t have to choose a path - labor/vocation or corporate ladder. The new third path was independence — freelancer, gig worker, etc. I was preaching the abandonment of a linear path of internship —> college —> career —> promotion —> death. I was talking about the fact that we no longer need to sign up for one path at graduation and avoid switching paths at all costs. In so many ways, we can follow our hearts, our curiosities, and talents. The antithesis of linearity in life. Exciting stuff people.

What surfaced on the bike ride was a reminder of all this, and also a reminder to always keep your head on a swivel. I could philosophize this further but I know a lot of people that read me are also looking for actionable tips, so here’s some challenges/thoughts from me to you:

• Physical and Emotional Swivel 👀: It’s true, you’re going to be much safer and more prepared for accidents and mishaps if you’re checking your surroundings. They teach it in the military and when you’re a kid…I’m not sure what happens between the early days and adulthood but we’ve clearly slept on the basics of protecting ourselves. Just as important, stay emotionally nimble. Don’t keep your guard up, just try your best to be mindful of how you’re feeling and checking in with yourself. Don’t be afraid to process outside challenges as well.

• Acceptance👂🏽❤️: Accept that you have zero control; relinquish the illusion. This is harder said than done, I know. Perhaps a smaller step is to be more malleable. Try to understand that straight lines feel safer, but that doesn’t mean they are safer. When opportunities come up, don’t scare them off. When feelings change, don’t ignore their presence.

• Reward 🏆: There’s all types of ways to define a reward. For some it’s money, for others’ it’s purely gratification or satisfaction. Whatever reward serves as your incentive, remember that there are more routes than one to reach it. And the one you’re on now, might not actually be the shortest or easiest path to that expected and desired payoff.

If you want to avoid thinking linearly, then just listen to yourself more. Accept, that change is inevitable and often times a necessity. Even more than that, it’s a beautiful thing that I hope everyone gets to experience in their lifetime. And seriously, look left and right when crossing a roadway or bike path. You can’t count on anyone else to keep you safe, if you’re not willing to be your first line of defense.

Talk soon.