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The Problem of Too Much Willful Will
Pedro was a man who believed his work was of the utmost importance. Every day, even on weekends, he arrived at his office before dawn, ready to tackle the day’s challenges with an iron will. Pedro’s job, in his eyes, was not merely a job. It was a mission. He worked for a large corporation, managing a team responsible for a critical project that could determine the company’s future. At least, that’s what Pedro told himself and his wife as he canceled their seventh straight date night.
Pedro’s dedication was unparalleled. He drove his team relentlessly, pushing them to meet deadlines which they often did through sheer force of will. He was convinced that his team’s success — even the entire company’s success — depended entirely on his ability to control every aspect of the project. His personal mantra: “I can sleep when I die.”
As the days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, something began to shift. The more Pedro pushed, the more his team seemed to resist. Tensions rose, mistakes became more frequent and severe, and the project began to fall behind schedule. Instead of easing his grip, Pedro tightened it further, convinced that he could will the project to success through his determination alone.
On the first cold day in October, Pedro was called into the CEO’s office. He expected praise for his tireless efforts, but…
