We have all found ourselves in situations facing a problem that seemed impossible to solve. A challenge so large and overwhelming that we couldn’t see a way forward. This has been the human experience throughout history. While facing such dilemmas, people have sought innovative and audacious solutions, often against the odds – succeeding. One famous tale is the legendary Gordian Knot.
In 333 BC, Alexander the Great embarked on his conquest of Asia, passing through the city of Gordium in Phrygia (modern-day Turkey). As he arrived, he encountered a chariot belonging to Gordius, the ancient founder of the city. The chariot was secured by a rope, intricately knotted with its end hidden. According to the legend, an oracle proclaimed that the knot could only be untied by the future conqueror of Asia—a person wise enough to “figure it out.”
Now, legend has it, when Alexander the Great encountered the Gordian Knot, he approached it with a kind of boldness that hadn’t been seen before. Rather than getting caught up in the complexity of the knot or simply attempting to untie it in, the conventional way, Alexander chose a decisive approach. With a single stroke of his sword, he cut through the knot, defying the logic of the day and the expectations of those around him.
His action demonstrated a willingness to challenge norms and think outside the box, ultimately solving the problem in a way that no one else had ever thought of. This act of boldness has forever associated Alexander the Great with the phrase “cutting the Gordian Knot,” symbolising the power of audacity and creative problem-solving.
The complexity of the Gordian Knot in this story symbolises the challenges we face in life—it symbolises complications that seem insurmountable and leave us feeling overwhelmed. The knot serves as a metaphor for the problems we encounter along our personal journeys. We often find ourselves entangled in the knots of self-doubt, limiting beliefs, emotional struggles, or overwhelming circumstances.
So, what can we learn from Alexander the Great’s bold solution to this apparently unsolvable problem? How can we apply the concept of “cutting the Gordian knot” to our own lives? How can we turn the corner of discontent and rewrite the story of our lives?
In the face of life’s complex challenges, we must be willing to think differently, to adopt a mindset of boldness and innovation. Just as Alexander didn’t conform to the conventional, tried and tested – yet failed methods of untying the knot, we too can find bold solutions to our problems. Here are some simple steps to consider:
- Shift Your Perspective: When confronted with a Gordian Knot-like problem, it’s crucial to shift your perspective. Always challenge the assumptions and beliefs that may be limiting your thinking. Remember as a child how you would embrace a mindset of curiosity? Be like this again and be open to new possibilities.
- Seek Support: In times of difficulties, it can be hard to recognise that you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Try to seek support from trusted friends, mentors, or professionals who can offer guidance and fresh insights. By collaborating with others, it can bring new ways of looking at problems and introduce the idea of creative solutions. Teamwork makes the dream work!
- Break it Down: Big problems are often the sum of many smaller ones, and they can be overwhelming, simply because of this combined size. But if you break the challenge down into smaller, more manageable parts. Identify the underlying issues and focus on tackling them one by one. This approach allows for a more systematic and strategic approach to problem-solving. Just as the saying goes… “How do you eat an entire elephant? One bite at a time.”
- Embrace Creative Thinking: Many of us are like digital code. Ones and zeros… But this is a digital response to an analogue experience. Life is unpredictable and therefore we need to explore unconventional approaches, or “think outside the box”. So, I would invite you to allow yourself to consider ideas and solutions that may initially seem far-fetched or unconventional. You just might surprise yourself! Innovation is a buzz word used often these days. However, innovation is simply a word that describes thinking that pushes thinking beyond traditional boundaries. So be bold. Be brave.
- Take Decisive Action: Absolutely nothing is achieved through “thinking” alone. These bold and brave solutions ultimately require decisive action. Once you have analysed the problem, devised a strategy, and identified potential solutions, TAKE ACTION. Get in the habit of saying that “progress is made through action alone”. Calculated risks are the bread and butter of the innovative person.
Now, you may be wondering, what does all of this mean for your life? How can you apply the concept of cutting the Gordian Knot to your personal journey? The answer lies in recognising that you do have the power to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and transform your life. That’s it really. It is a mindset shift.
The shift happens if you can take on board the points I have mentioned above. Once you do, you can navigate the complexities of your life’s knot a bit easier. By identifying the areas that require bold solutions, through collaborative and supportive efforts, using strategic planning, and taking deliberate action, you absolutely can untangle the knots that hold you back from reaching your full potential.
Whether you’re facing career transitions, relationship difficulties, personal growth obstacles, or any other intricate problems, remember that bold solutions are within reach.
Embracing the spirit of Alexander the Great, you can approach life’s challenges with confidence and determination.
Séamus
