Abstract:

I love this concept so much it is an integral part of everything I do in life and in coaching.  It motivates me when I fail and when I succeed and I updated this blog in mid 2019 for my readers.

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If you “get” the title of the blog, you are a Trekkie!  If not, read on, this one is for everyone.

Star Trek II, The Wrath of Khan is my favorite movie (stop chuckling).  I often re-watch it when I am faced with a complex quandary where original thinking and action are warranted.  God knows my brain loves repetition whether at the gym or at the cinema.

There are two themes embedded within the movie that teach us life lessons.

The first theme explores the notion that challenges the existence of a “no win” situation.  To test the merit of cadets at “Starfleet Academy”, a flight simulation is used that evaluates how the aspiring captain and the crew face death, the ultimate “no-win” scenario.  This simulation is known as the Kobayashi Maru Test.  It’s a brilliant examination of human decision making during a time of crisis.  To read more about the test, click here.

In the “real” futuristic space world we all know how Captain discovers creative solutions to every obstacle, and often with the help and guidance from his bold staff. He likes to think there are always possibilities and he vehemently denies ever subscribing to a “no-win” scenario.

The second theme delves into the axiom that states, “the needs of the many out-weigh the needs of the few or the one.”

This theme is exemplified in Spock’s (Leonard Nimoy, RIP) selfless act of self-sacrifice in order to save his colleagues when the ship faces imminent doom.  His life is a pursuit of meaning and understanding beyond winning and losing.  Heck, logic dictates that needs of the many are always paramount.

Warning!  This is where so many of us misstep, always putting the needs of others before our own (check out the concept of the golden mean).  And, in fact, the Star Trek III challenges this very concept!  Star Trek is for the sophisticated, the sophisticated and yes, the totally geeky, but I am a total gay geek.

If you did not see the movie here is the gist of the plot:

Kirk’s idea of a “win” was Spock surviving and simultaneously saving the ship from the evil Khan (Ricardo Montalban was an excellent baddie!).  However, the ship could only be spared a fiery demise by Spock putting himself in mortal danger and subsequently sacrificing his life.

Spock’s decision creates the ultimate “no-win” for Kirk . . . the death of his best friend.  Kirk then grapples with understanding winning and possibilities very differently.

Unlike Kirk, Spock did not frame his decision as one with a potential for a win or for a loss.  He saved the ship and everyone else on it at the expense of his own life.  This decision was no-brainer for Spock.  After all, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of one.

Let’s face it, in our real lives winning and losing is the dominant paradigm of our age, aka the zero-sum game.  We see it, in fact, in our contemporary political discourse/actions like at no other time in our modern history.  The choice of whether or not to subscribe to that paradigm, however, lies with you.

What seemingly “no-win” situation are you facing?  How can you be creative, imaginative, and ingenious in finding solutions without caring about winning or losing? (and without dying, please!)

Let others talk about life as a series of wins or losses, because undoubtedly people will.  Revel in the fact that you put yourself out there to explore possibilities.  The only “no-win” is not trying, not understanding, not increasing your awareness.  Failing is data to assess and respond to intelligently . . . you are a failure if you fail to face the set-back.

And if you feel stuck, blocked, angry or exasperated by your “inability” to figure it out, hire a coach for Spock’s sake!

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If you have any questions about coaching please feel free to contact me at scott@kineticcoaching.co, and remember I always offer a complimentary 30-45 minute session to prospective clients to determine if we want to work together