The Climb

The Climb

It’s easy to get lost in the weeds. If you’re like me, you might have been blaming the Coronavirus for every one of your 2020 problems. But why? For most, shifting blame onto someone or something else is reflexive. One could say instinctive, but we are not animals. Challenges allow us to grow. So, let’s not get stuck in the weeds. The Washington Post reported, “2.4 million Americans filed jobless claims last week, bringing nine-week total to 38.6 million”1. The most we’ve seen in decades. New York Times also reported: “The cause of this recession — a global pandemic — means that our economic future will be determined in large part by the path of the virus” 2.

Well there goes our year. Right? ..Wrong. The Coronavirus might have caused you to lose your job, it might have had a negative impact on your personal relationships, or even cost the life of a loved one. If history has taught us anything, it’s that our reaction to difficult situations will have as much of an impact on the result, as the cause. Essentially — cause + reaction = result. Don’t get stuck in the weeds worrying about who to blame for your problems. Instead design and implement solutions.


The path less taken. The hard road.

Let’s grow and work towards a common goal. While individually our goals may be different, collectively the goal should be to emerge from this better people. I recently sat down with Kevin L. Nichols, the founder and CEO of the Social Engineering Project. The Social Engineering Project is an Oakland based Google and Microsoft funded social impact venture with Stanford University that is designed to address the lack of diversity in the tech industry through pipeline programs for underrepresented students of color. Kevin’s status as a Gamechanger is attributed to the fact that he is at the forefront of affecting much needed positive change. His professional career began at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as mechanical engineering intern. After realizing engineering was not the path in line with his values, he went on to work as a legal assistant for Morrison & Foster where he founded their diversity program. Nowadays, he’s aiming to solve the tech industries “diversity problem” with the help of his co-founder, Brian A. Brown. Their purpose is only just beginning to resonate with the masses.


Abyss.

In Principles, Ray Dalio coins the term “abyss” in reference to the low points in one’s life. Ray explains how one should look forward to these moments, expecting them, because they are bound to happen. The low points, the hard times are where growth happens. This is where we need to spend time learning in order to rebuild. Let’s consider one of my favorite examples from Dark Knight Rises, a scene called “The Climb”. During our conversation, Kevin noted, “The climb is synonymous with the ladder…and you never really get to the top until you die”. You have to be present, focus on the step in front of you. When you think you’ve reached the top, you realize there’s always another climb. Nothing is forever — good or bad. But, while there’s life, there’s hope.

If you’re like me, you had big plans for 2020 and it’s been really shitty so far. Really shitty. But if you can’t stand the smell of shit, then don’t dwell in it. Let’s make this the greatest comeback story ever told. The Bounce back. Kevin Nichols and I talked about his decline in funding during COVID. I have a feeling he won’t let that stop him. He and Brian A. Brown will continue on their journey despite whatever obstacles lie waiting. Their annual Summer in the City event was due to be cancelled because of the Coronavirus. That would’ve meant a little over a hundred kids missing out on an amazing learning opportunity. The solution? Summer in the City is going Virtual. We don’t know what tomorrow will look like. Truth is we never did. This shouldn’t scare us into paralysis. Do what is necessary today, to put yourself and those you love in a better place tomorrow. We have a golden opportunity to re-create our future.


By Kevin Cisse

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