Ever watched a race? Ever noticed the rabbit? Ideally, the rabbit's primary role is to get in there and set the pace, not to win. The rabbit possesses great athletic skills just like the competitors, but he understands his purpose as a catalyst. Eventually he falls back and disappears to his normal rabbit lifestyle. The competitors must continue on their own and finish the race. The catalyst is there to get you started, not to help you finish.
In my role as an HR manager, I've served as a catalyst for many people. Many of the careers have started as a result of my interview prepping, resume editing, and back scratching on the behalf of others. After I have provided the initial resources, my role as the catalyst is usually done. From there, it is up to the individual to carry out any objectives they set. Recently I provided the resources and stepped back to allow this person the room to grow within their new role. As I pulled back, they pulled back too! They fully expected me to run their race with them, not realizing that I have one of my own. I sought to understand why this happens, and I found this interesting article explaining how birds learn to fly.
The article says that "birds learn how to fly much like a human toddler learns to walk -- a combination of instinct and practice". It compares flightless bird species to their flying cousins saying that newborns that come from a flying species "have an innate sense that flying is a natural act" as they imitate what they see. Those who come from a flightless species, no longer have the instinct do so. In essence, their environment impacts their instinct.
For me finishing the race seems instinctive (with or without the catalyst) but it wasn't always like that; I have practiced. I learned what true discipline was. I learned how to wake up at 4:30AM and make time for the things I deemed important. I've purposely placed myself in uncomfortable situations, delivered difficult messages, and made tough decisions. I've read inspirational stories about others and drawn from them. When I've gotten hurt, I dusted myself off, and kept right on trying. .
Today I gladly show my war wounds from learning how to finish a race alone, and I tell the tale with pride and not shame. I fear for those who have lost their instinct to just finish, but I applaud those who choose to get it back...
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