Productive Paranoia

“The quality of your life is a direct reflection of the quality of the questions you ask yourself.”
— Tony Robbins

I borrowed the title of today’s post from Jim Collins’s book Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos, and Luck—Why Some Thrive Despite Them All. The book is particularly relevant in today’s market environment, where there is considerable uncertainty about the near future. Uncertainty is one of the greatest factors limiting performance and development—both for individuals and organizations.

What distinguishes companies that are able to grow sustainably year after year? Why does the following rule seem to apply to some companies: markets rise and fall, yet we continue to grow and develop regardless? Is it simply luck, or is there a pattern behind it?

In his extensive research, Jim Collins reaches an important conclusion.

The key characteristic that distinguishes the leaders of successful companies is that they recognize the paradox of control and lack of control. On the one hand, they understand that they face constant uncertainty and are surrounded by events they cannot accurately predict or control. On the other hand, they reject the idea that forces beyond their control determine the outcome of their actions.

They take full responsibility for their own destiny.

These leaders resolve this pa