Discovered in the process

The Columbus principle

Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas. We all know that. What you might not know is that he died not knowing that he had discovered the Americas. When Columbus left Spain, he was attempting to find a quicker, safer passage to Asia knowing that great riches could be made by discovering a new link with the Silk Trail. But he failed. He failed big time.  

There was, however, an upside to his failure. What Columbus actually discovered in the process of his exploration was something far greater than anything he could have imagined he would achieve. He hadn’t even conceived the possibility that he would discover an unknown land. That wasn’t his goal. He didn’t even know “America” existed, so how could he aim for it? The truth is, he set out to find a better way to do what he was already doing - sailing to Asia - and in the process he discovered something unimaginable. 

Isn’t that what pioneers do?  

Interesting isn’t it that nobody remembers Columbus for what he didn’t discover. If you ask what Columbus is remembered for, few people will recall the fact that he “failed” in what he originally set out to do - it has become an almost irrelevant footnote on the pages of history. Why? Because he discovered something greater on the way.

The value in Columbus’ story for us as entrepreneurs, pioneers and leaders is not that he discovered the Americas and achieved great fame. It’s that he started with the idea he had, and pursued it wholeheartedly, without possibly being able to imagine what his voyage would lead him to accomplish. His biggest failure became his greatest achievement. 

This is the Columbus Principle. Start with the ideas you’ve got, not with the ideas you haven’t got. Set out to do what you do better. Streamline your business, focus on your goals, move towards your dreams. Create some movement and momentum. Set sail. Who knows, if you aim your ship for the Silk Trail, you might just sail into America. 

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