The map is not the territory, which means it lies. The moment it’s printed, it’s already outdated. Sure, a nature reserve changes slower than a city, but the idea is the same: time moves, and the context shifts.
In this way, mental maps and topographical maps are similar. They offer a glimpse of a world that existed yesterday but is gone today.
“All models are wrong, but some are useful,” said Professor George P. Box, known as one of the great statistical minds of the 20th century. The real question is knowing when the value of your most cherished model starts to fade.
Take, for example, a founder who spent years executing an ambitious plan. As long as the terrain mostly matched the map, he moved confidently. But one morning, he woke up not in a pine forest but in salty sea.
What do you do when the gap between imagination and reality grows too wide? It feels like everything he carried—supplies, weapons, tools—was useless. Not only did the desired goal vanish, but now he couldn’t even tell where he was. The founder is stressed and disoriented.
Things will only get worse if he doesn't update his mental maps.
The bad news is this action is uncomfortable. Especially if the founder is desperately clinging to “yesterday.” The good news? You don't need to invest millions in new tech, hire a star CEO, or rebuild the company for the latest management fad.
So what’s needed? Just one thing—reality persuaded the founder he can't help but to change. And he started the change from himself.
Sincerely yours,
-Alexander
About me:
As a business therapist, I help tech founders quickly solve dilemmas at the intersection of business and personality, and boost company value as a result.
How can I help you?
If you've long been trying to understand what is limiting you and/or your business and how to finally give important changes a push, then The Catalyst Session is designed specifically for you. Book it here.