Take The Initiative
As I mentioned in last week’s email, I’ve been reading Grant by Ron Chernow, a biography of Union General and President Ulysses S. Grant. This expansive book provides deep insights into Grant’s life and the era in which he lived. Today, I want to highlight one powerful lesson from his story: the concept of endurance.
Endurance isn’t just about bearing burdens and waiting for them to pass—it’s about recognizing opportunities amid challenges and taking the initiative. This ability may have been Grant’s greatest strength as a general. He acknowledged that the first day of battle often favored the Confederates, but he remained focused on identifying opportunities, reframing challenges in his mind, and exploiting his opponent’s weaknesses. As a result, the second and third days of fighting frequently saw Grant leading the North to victory.
A major problem with other Union generals was their tendency to fixate on what the opposition might do, inflating perceived threats in their minds. Can you relate to this? I know I sometimes magnify problems, making them seem bigger than they actually are. Several times, Union generals, paralyzed by fear of their Confederate counterparts, backed down from conflict despite having superior numbers and resources. This inaction frustrated President Abraham Lincoln, who saw how it prolonged the war. In contrast, Grant’s decisive initiative was a breath of fresh air. When allegations surfaced about Grant’s drinking—some of which were likely true—Lincoln is said to have responded, “I can’t spare this man; he fights.” People of action are indispensable despite their imperfections.
Here’s the life lesson: Don’t inflate problems in your mind—take the initiative.
Most people don’t stay stuck due to a lack of ability; they stay stuck because of a negative mindset. We tell ourselves stories about everything that could go wrong if we take a risk. But how often do we consider what might go right if we take action?
Think about an area of your life where you feel stuck, and ask yourself:
What negative story am I telling myself?
What is it that I actually want?
What are some small steps I can take toward my goal?
How quickly can I take action?
Becoming aware of our tendency to exaggerate problems helps us redirect our energy toward what we can control. The more we take purposeful action, the more progress we make.
This week, take a lesson from Grant’s playbook. When you catch yourself spinning negative stories, pause. Refocus on the opportunities in front of you. Then take action—again and again.
Happy to be in your corner,
Tom Page, LCPCa
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