"I wasn't cutout to be an opera singer, but it was a nice fantasy for a teenager growing up in Hungary during the Stalinist era."
This is a great comment and observation by Grove. What was his point? We must know who we are, and the difference between wishful thinking and fantasy ... and what is real for us individually.
We may think we're cut out for something; somebody that can enter into any environment and thrive. Yet for the vast majority of people this is an illusion. Very few people can be that adaptable in whatever situation they enter into.
Grove understood that and realized while that while it made him feel good while living in harsh conditions, in the real world he had to face who he was and what he was able to be good at. An opera singer wasn't ever going to be part of his resume.
As business leaders or managers, we need to cut through the crap and look reality in the face. And the way you do that is to look in the mirror of who you really are and base your journey and goals upon that.
If we aren't meant to be something, no amount of fantasizing will bring it about. We must differentiate between escapist desires and real passions we want to give ourselves to.
A life of frustration can be waiting for someone not willing to face their strengths and limitations realistically. This will find its way into any business position where results are what are required and expected.
We all need to occasionally give ourselves a reality check to make sure we're on the path we're willing and able to walk. If you're struggling with that, ask for input of those you trust and respect, while listening closely to what they have to say.
Better to deal with the disappointment of disillusionment in the short term than a life of serial frustrations in the long.
Other Andy Grove Resources:
Andy Grove's Rational Exuberance
The Digital Age . . . driven by the passion of Intel's Andrew Grove
The History and Influence of Andy Grove
Andy Grove enters new post-Intel role as activist capitalist
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