Tennessee Williams: 'Success is blocked by concentrating on it and planning for it... Success is shy - it won't come out while you're watching.'

Success is blocked by concentrating on it and planning for it... Success is shy - it won't come out while you're watching.

In this quote, Tennessee Williams provides a thought-provoking perspective on the elusive nature of success. He suggests that focusing solely on achieving success, while meticulously planning every step, can actually hinder its attainment. Williams metaphorically personifies success as a shy entity that retreats when it feels being observed. This raises the important question - why does success shy away from our conscious gaze?At first glance, Williams' assertion may seem counterintuitive. After all, isn't planning and concentration key to achieving success? However, his quote suggests that focusing solely on the end goal can be limiting. When we become too fixated on success, we may place undue pressure on ourselves, making it more challenging to think creatively or take risks that could lead us to new opportunities. Success, it seems, thrives in an environment where it is allowed to unfold naturally, without the burden of constant observation and expectation.This notion can be further explored through the lens of philosophical concepts such as the law of attraction and the paradox of desire. According to the law of attraction, the energy we emit into the universe attracts similar energy back to us. If we approach success with a mindset of desperation and constant surveillance, we may unwittingly repel the very thing we desire. Similarly, the paradox of desire, as postulated by Alan Watts, suggests that the more we crave something, the more elusive it becomes.In light of these philosophical ideas, it becomes clear that success requires a delicate balance. While planning and concentration are undoubtedly vital, we must also allow space for spontaneity and unexpected opportunities. This involves adopting a mindset of trust and surrender, where we have faith in the process and go with the flow rather than micro-managing every step. By maintaining an open mind and heart, we enable success to manifest in surprising ways, beyond what we had initially envisioned.An apt analogy to illustrate this concept is that of a butterfly. Imagine eagerly waiting to witness the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly. If we were to constantly scrutinize and hover over the cocoon, our presence might disrupt the delicate process unfolding within. However, if we exercise patience and allow nature to take its course, we are granted the privilege of witnessing the magnificent emergence of a vibrant and free-spirited butterfly.Applying this understanding to our own journey towards success, we should redirect our focus from an outcome-oriented approach to one that embraces the beauty of the present moment. By engaging fully in the process, nurturing our skills, and seizing opportunities as they arise, we create an environment in which success feels comfortable stepping out of its timid shell. It is in these moments when we are fully present and immersed in what we love, that success finds us effortlessly.In conclusion, Tennessee Williams' quote about success being shy and averse to our constant focus and observation carries profound insights. While planning and concentration are important, we must also leave room for spontaneity and trust in the process. By adopting a mindset that aligns with the law of attraction and the paradox of desire, we can create a conducive environment for success to flourish. Let us strive to approach our aspirations with a balance of determination and surrender, and may we find success manifesting in the most unexpected and rewarding ways.