Finding Your Way Through Incredible Change
Lately, I've had a lot of conversations − with clients, colleagues, friends and family − about the increasing unpredictability of change. Often what starts as casual comments about unusual weather quickly morphs into a more serious exchange about how we feel shocked and disoriented by a whirlwind of rapid-fire changes jeopardizing us, those we know and love, and people throughout the world.
What we once thought didn't or couldn't happen seems to be occurring in so many unexpected places and previously-considered-secure aspects of our lives. The question that keeps surfacing in client conversations and friendly chats is: How can I find my way through all of this incredible change?
Well if the way ahead feels uncertain for you too, let's begin by clearly discerning where you are.
Survival, Success, Transformation...Where Are You Now?
Be candid with yourself about where you are now. Instead of judging whether you 'should' be there or not, let go of the need to make wherever you are right or wrong, good or bad. In a moment of genuine kindness and loving compassionate for yourself, just be radically honest about 'what is' true for you.
That may mean that you admit you feel afraid, even though you know you are not in any specific danger at this time. Unfortunately, fear is in the air, and it's contagious. So it's possible the fear you feel isn't your own. That's why it's important to know where you are now. As author and corporate executive Lable Braun points out, if we don't know where we are, we end up implementing strategies for where we are not.
Survival
- Physiological Needs
- Breath
- Water
- Food
- Clothing
- Sleep
- Health
- Safety Needs
- Shelter
- Security (protection & stability)
- Belonging, Love & Affection Needs
Success
- Self-Esteem
- Achievement
- Recognition (from self & others)
- Respect (for and by self & others)
- Confidence
- Natural Talent (pursued)
- Vibrant Creativity (expressed)
- Mastery of Potential
- Freedom to BE Yourself
- Spontaneity of Expertise
- Solution-focused Reflexes
Transformation
- Evolutionary Personal Growth
- Change as Choice
- Genuine Appreciation
- Focus on Natural Next Step
- Seeker of Truth, Meaning & Wisdom
- Understanding & Guidance
- Inner Knowing + Support
- Vibrant Clarity & Insight
- Soul-Satisfying Fulfillment
- Deeply Enriching Relationships
- Life-Affirming Experiences
- Happy for No Reason
Research studies tell us that emotional memories are stored in our hearts. Where does your heart tell you that you spend most of your time...in survival, success, or transformation?
To shift your predominant experience, choose to feel differently. How? Remember something that makes you smile or laugh. Allow that good feeling to fill you with joy and appreciation. Now ask yourself what small next step you are ready to take to experience where you want to be.
Your Path
It's easy to forget that there's a progression from survival to success to transformation. And, transitions can take much longer than we expect or would like. Sometimes we lose our way, or confusing forks in the trail don't take us where we thought they would. Yet what we discover from these unplanned detours shows us how to get beyond big obstacles and transcend the tangible basics in life.
What I know for sure is that your path - no matter how circuitous, scary or unfamiliar at the moment - is worth taking. So if you need help in figuring out how to navigate a particularly rigorous ascent on your current business or leadership path, give me a call.
And to inspire you to shift from where you are now to where you want to be...Enter the Conscious Leader Contest for a chance to win a f*r*e*e Virtual Vacation − a fun and fascinating armchair adventure (via guided audio), where you experience entrepreneurial success secrets of 'The Precious Women Leaders'.
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Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 04:25PM ;)
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