Becoming Who You Are: Why Don’t Most People Reach Their Potential? Five Answers to Questions About Product Vision & Roadmaps

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Sep 22, 2023
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Becoming Who You Are: Why Don’t Most People Reach Their Potential? Five Answers to Questions About Product Vision & Roadmaps
In our journey through life, there are two states of being: surviving and thriving. While surviving is necessary for our basic survival and the continuation of our species, thriving is what allows us to truly reach our potential and live up to our true selves. As the famous psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, "A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be."
However, in today's complex and ever-evolving world, it has become increasingly challenging for most people to reach their potential. Our lives have shifted from managing our physical survival to navigating the emotional realm of consciousness. We are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information through our media devices, much of it false or irrelevant. It is no wonder that many of us feel lost and disconnected from our true selves.
To truly reach our potential, we need to find a balance between differentiation and integration. Differentiation is the process of discovering our individual values, while integration is the narrative or meaning that drives those values into our day-to-day actions. Some people are integrated but not differentiated because they have not exposed themselves to the complexities of the world. On the other hand, some people are differentiated but not integrated because they struggle to make sense of their values and incorporate them into their lives.
The good news is that we live in a time where information is readily available to us. The democratization of information through the internet and libraries has given us access to a wealth of knowledge. However, it is up to us to take the initiative to seek out this information and have the courage to incorporate it into our lives. Abundance is a gift, but only if we learn to harness its potential.
So, how can we bridge the gap between surviving and thriving? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:
- 1. Define your product vision: Just as individuals need a vision to reach their potential, companies also need a product vision to establish their beachhead and navigate towards their desired future. The GLEe model can help articulate this vision, focusing on how the company can get big, lead, and expand into new markets. The key is to share a product vision that outlines the steps towards success, without being too rigid about the timing. It's important for all functions within a company to be aware of the potential steps and agree on the level of investment needed at each stage.
- 2. Overcommunicate and align: Communication is key to ensuring that everyone within an organization is aligned with the product vision. By having a shared language around the step-by-step product progression and the optimal level of investment at each stage, companies can stay on track towards their goals. Overcommunication helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps everyone focused on the same objectives.
- 3. Embrace a long-term mindset: Reaching our potential is not a sprint, but a marathon. It requires a long-term mindset and a willingness to adapt along the way. Just as the product vision is a series of hypotheses, our own journey towards reaching our potential is a continuous process of learning and growth. We must be open to new ideas and perspectives, constantly seeking out information and incorporating it into our lives.
In conclusion, the path to reaching our potential is not always easy, but it is within our grasp. By finding the balance between differentiation and integration, embracing the abundance of information available to us, and taking the necessary actions to align ourselves with our goals, we can become who we truly are. It is up to us to take the initiative and make the most of the opportunities that lie before us. So, let us embark on this journey of self-discovery and growth, and unlock our true potential.
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