Now, what is our objective?
Our objective is to maximize the magnitude of our potential, ensure that it is used in
the right direction, and maximize our peace of mind.
How do we do that?
This is how the cycle works.
If we are able to maximize the magnitude of our potential and ensure that it is applied
in the right direction.
We maximize our potential, and that automatically leads to peace of mind, as far as our work
is concerned.
In this case, you are working at your highest ability and depth, and in the right direction.
So for a positive, healthy purpose, you will be peaceful about what you do, even though
you face challenges as you go along.
But how do you achieve that depth and the right direction?
For that, you need clarity of thought, the ability to think clearly, and in the right
manner.
How do you achieve clarity of thought?
Through contemplation on the right values.
So here is the cycle again.
Contemplation on your work leads to depth of thought, because you think about a matter
very deeply, so gain insights about it.
Contemplation on the right values leads to clarity of thought, which ensures that you
move in the right direction.
Once you are able to think clearly and in the right direction, you maximize your potential,
and in turn, your peace of mind.
What is the Adios framework?
Adios stands for a dialogue in objective silence.
Adios is about contemplation.
Contemplation on the right values and on matters that matter.
It is a dialogue between you and yourself, so you get to know yourself better.
It is an objective or an unbiased dialogue with yourself, so you can make the right
decisions, even if a part of you feels it is difficult to make them or pulls you towards
thinking about things such as valuation rather than values and vision.
And it is silence that helps you focus and go deep within, so you can make those decisions
that are right for you.
Silence includes physical and technological silence.
You set yourself away from all external noise and things that might distract you, so you
can focus.
So Adios is a method you use to have an objective dialogue with yourself silently on an ongoing
basis, so you achieve clarity of thought and through that, maximize your potential and
peace of mind.
How do you use Adios for this purpose?
We will work with its core tool, contemplation.
But what exactly is contemplation?
How do we define it for the purpose of Adios?
While thinking can be thought of as a process that occurs quickly, contemplation on the
other hand can be defined as a process of thinking deeply about a matter and analyzing
it in great detail.
Contemplation helps us see things we otherwise are unable to see.
It helps us see things much more clearly.
Contemplation is the mother of clarity.
When we contemplate on certain matters for a long time, we gain deep insights into the
subject or the problem, and that is how we build depth of thought.
That is how we increase the magnitude of our potential.
The opposite of this is shallowness of thought.
If you haven't really thought about it deeply, your understanding of the issue at hand or
the problem would be superficial.
It isn't just the intelligence that helps you.
Given two people with the same level of average intelligence, the one who contemplates will
always find insights, hidden patterns, not so obvious connections that can only be found
in a state of deep thought.
It is contemplation and not just intelligence that creates a Newton or an Einstein.
And in many instances, average intelligence plus deep contemplation far surpasses superior
intelligence with little contemplation.
Contemplation is the mother of clarity.
Silence and contemplation is the technology stack of the future.
This is the technology you need to master if you are serious about doing something truly
inspiring.
And anything that comes in the way of your contemplation is bad for you, bad for your
potential and hence bad for your startup.
So remember this big picture and draw a chart for yourself in your journal.
A startup has two purposes, to maximize your potential and your peace of mind.
Contemplation has two parts, magnitude and direction.
To maximize the magnitude of your potential, you contemplate on your vision.
To ensure you move in the right direction, you contemplate on the right values.
And you do this silently.
This contemplation on the vision and the right values provides depth of thought and clarity
of thought.
Depth of thought provides new insights about your work.
Clarity of thought ensures that you make the right decisions.
Making the right decisions leads to peace of mind and financial success is a byproduct.
And in the process, you would most likely have created something truly inspiring for
others to learn from and not just a financially successful company.
So if you really want your stock options to work for you, change the narrative, change
the conversation.
Values and vision is the conversation you need to have with your team members.
Valuation is not the right conversation to have.
Here is the sequence.
Start with going silent and looking inward instead of outward.
Focus on your individual values.
Set your vision out of those values.
Look for people who share those values and vision.
And then the conversation with them is, we all are enthusiastic about this vision.
So let us make it happen.
And yes, by the way, should we win the day, here are stock options for you.
So you also share the financial value we all create while we achieve our vision.
Values and vision is the way to go.