Tag: decision making

The Two-Arrows Concept

“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” – Viktor E. Frankl

Life often presents us with scenarios that feel like a double-edged sword. This brings us to the ‘Two-Arrow Concept,’ a philosophy that suggests we have two types of challenges to face: the initial problem itself (the first arrow) and our emotional reaction to it (the second arrow). In this blog, we’ll explore how understanding and applying this concept can offer profound insights into navigating life’s challenges.

Two-arrows Concept

Imagine you’ve been working diligently on a project at work, only to have it criticized publicly by your boss. The first arrow is the criticism. It’s external and beyond your control. The second arrow is your emotional reaction, which could range from humiliation to anger. This arrow is something you can control.

The Tale of Two Friends:

Two friends, Sarah and Emily, faced the same scenario. Sarah’s second arrow was aimed inward, resulting in feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Emily, on the other hand, chose to see the criticism as an opportunity for improvement. The difference in their outcomes was staggering. Sarah’s productivity dipped, while Emily went on to receive commendations for her work.

“Don’t Shoot the Second Arrow”

Buddhist philosophy advises us not to shoot the second arrow, meaning, don’t add suffering to an already challenging situation. As Henry David Thoreau said, “It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see.” When we stop fueling the emotional fire, we empower ourselves to find rational, constructive responses to the first arrow.

The CEO’s Choice:

Consider a CEO faced with plummeting sales figures. The first arrow is the decline itself—hard, factual, and external. The second arrow could be panic or despair, but the seasoned CEO knows better. Instead, they initiate a detailed analysis, identify gaps, and reformulate strategies.

Mastering the Second Arrow

“Maturity is achieved when a person accepts life as full of tension,” said Joshua L. Liebman. Accepting that the first arrow will hit is half the battle. The mastery lies in how you deal with the second one.

Understanding the Two-Arrow Concept is akin to acquiring a life skill. It teaches us to separate the controllable from the uncontrollable, to act rather than react, and to turn challenges into stepping stones for growth. It’s not the absence of problems but your ability to deal with them that defines your journey.

“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity,” Albert Einstein once said. So the next time life shoots an arrow at you, remember, you have the power to decide whether or not to shoot the second one.

The Two-Arrow Concept is not just a philosophy; it’s a framework for emotional intelligence and rational decision-making. By mastering this concept, you open doors to resilience, wisdom, and an enriched life experience.

The Paradox of Productivity: Embracing the Lion’s Work Ethic


In our fast-paced world, productivity is often hailed as the key to success. We are constantly told to work harder, longer, and faster to achieve our goals. However, there exists a paradox within this notion of productivity, one that draws inspiration from the majestic lion’s work ethic. Just like the king of the jungle, we can learn to balance our efforts by embracing the art of sprinting, resting, and repeating. Let’s delve into this paradox and explore how incorporating moments of rest can actually boost productivity and lead to more sustainable success.

Sprint: Unleashing the Lion’s Roar
The lion is a symbol of power and strength, renowned for its explosive bursts of energy when hunting. Similarly, in our work lives, there are moments when we must unleash our inner lion and sprint towards our goals with unwavering focus. These sprints represent periods of intense effort and dedication, where we give our best to achieve significant milestones. During these phases, we prioritize tasks, eliminate distractions, and channel our energy like the mighty lion chasing its prey.

Rest: The Power of the Lion’s Slumber
Yet, even the most powerful of beasts needs to rest after a hunt. Rest is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a crucial aspect of maintaining a sustainable work ethic. Just as the lion conserves its energy during periods of inactivity, we too must recognize the importance of downtime. Rest allows us to recharge our minds and bodies, promoting creativity, better decision-making, and enhanced problem-solving abilities. Embracing rest doesn’t equate to laziness; instead, it is an investment in our long-term productivity and well-being.

Repeat: Embracing Cycles for Lasting Success
The beauty of the lion’s work ethic lies in its cyclical nature. After each sprint and rest, the lion doesn’t shy away from repeating the process when hungry again. Similarly, we must adopt a mindset of perseverance and adaptability in our work lives. Embracing the idea of cycles enables us to continually improve, learn from our experiences, and refine our strategies. By acknowledging that success is not linear but consists of ups and downs, we become better equipped to handle challenges and stay on the path towards our goals.

Breaking the Paradox: A Harmonious Blend
To break the paradox of productivity, we must realize that embracing both the sprint and the rest is not an either-or proposition. Instead, it is a harmonious blend of the two that leads to sustained success. By aligning our work habits with the lion’s example, we can achieve a state of balance and flow, optimizing our performance and overall well-being.

Practical Tips for Embracing the Lion’s Work Ethic:

  1. Prioritize tasks and set specific sprint periods for focused work.
  2. During sprints, eliminate distractions and create a conducive work environment.
  3. Incorporate short breaks throughout the day to recharge and rejuvenate.
  4. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques during rest periods.
  5. Reflect on past experiences to learn from successes and challenges.
  6. Embrace flexibility and adaptability, knowing that progress is not always linear.
  7. Celebrate accomplishments, no matter how small, to boost motivation and morale.


In the paradox of productivity, the lion’s work ethic teaches us valuable lessons about the power of balance and cycles. By sprinting towards our goals with focus, resting to recharge, and repeating the process, we can achieve sustainable success while maintaining our well-being. Embrace the paradox, and let the spirit of the lion guide you on your journey to a more fulfilling and productive life. Remember, it’s not about working harder all the time; it’s about finding the harmony between exertion and rejuvenation, just like the king of the jungle.

The Power of Character

Leadership is a fundamental aspect of every successful organization. However, there is one significant aspect of leadership that often gets overlooked – character. Character is more than ethics, it’s a crucial element that influences decision-making processes, overall performance, and the culture of an organization. When adequately fostered, character can become a competitive edge leading to better decisions and outcomes.

The Misunderstanding of Character

MIT research, sparked by the 2008 global economic crisis, involved interviewing over 300 business leaders across the globe. The consensus was clear – the character of leaders had significantly contributed to the crisis. However, the definition of character and whether it could be developed remained topics of contention.

Many leaders underestimate the concept of character, reducing it to ethics alone. This narrow perception is a significant oversight. Character forms the bedrock of judgment, impacting the choices made by individuals every minute, every day. It’s the micro-moments between stimulus and response where character-driven judgment comes into play.

The Impact of Character on Performance

Character-based judgment is a potent tool for superior performance, and its absence can explain instances of misconduct and poor decision-making. This was evident in high-profile cases like the global financial crisis, the Volkswagen emissions scandal, and the Boeing 737 Max tragedies. In these instances, there was ample technical competence, but character was noticeably missing. The fallout from these events underscores the impact of compromised character, showing how it can lead to a slippery slope of poor judgment and decision-making.

The Broader Influence of Character

While character undeniably supports ethical decision-making, its reach extends far beyond being “good.” Character influences individual well-being, fosters sustained excellence, and contributes to the overall health of an organization. It matters at all levels of the organization, not just in leadership. When we broaden our understanding of character, we can begin to see its influence in every aspect of our organizations.

In an era where organizations are constantly seeking competitive advantages, character offers a largely untapped resource. It’s time we recognized the significant role of character in shaping our organizational cultures and driving superior performance. After all, character is not just about being “good” – it’s about making good decisions, fostering positive relationships, and leading successful organizations. By nurturing character in our leaders and employees, we can build stronger, more resilient organizations that are not only successful but also contribute positively to society.