The times we are living in are exquisite.
They are challenging.
They are risky.
They demand daring, boldness, authenticity, honesty, and truth.
A leader said this to one of his direct reports during a 3-way conversation we were having as part of the completion of a six-month coaching engagement. We were discussing the next steps in her journey. My mind auto-corrected the word ‘string’ to ‘rope’ as the correct use of the analogy. I actually like the use of ‘string’ as this would increase one’s discernment and focus.
Walking on the string requires more courage, self-awareness, and definitely more focus. You also must understand WHY you are taking the risk. As one of my mentors, Lynne Twist said in a recent blog, it takes grounded optimism.
Lynne goes on to explain:
“ Grounded optimism is about generating, revealing, pointing to and shining a spotlight on conversations that empower people to be the best they can possibly be, including yourself.”
In essence, choosing to walk on the string. Lynne believes the monumental progress of the evolutionary journey we are on and can now co-create if we so choose, can be so stunning and so breathtaking. It just takes focus and being grounded in optimism. If we focus on our intention to achieve our vision, then it is real.
It’s not Pollyanna.
It’s not pretence.
It’s real.
When you choose to walk on the string, and not the plank you are stretching your ‘value creation’, living at your edge if you like. You have to be careful with it because sometimes people won’t take you seriously. It takes skill and authenticity and it has to be very, very real for you.
You cannot fake it.
You must identify with it so that you can point to it and acknowledge it with rigor and specificity. When you do this, you own your truth and earn the respect of the people who are willing to listen.
In the words of Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D,:
“When you let go of stories about what is “right”, “appropriate”, and “best” you are free to explore the mystery of who you are.”
Through my work with leaders across many different cultures, I listen to their narrative and notice how this shapes their story.
“What is it that they are proud of?”
“What is their deepest underlying desire?”
“How would they know they are living that?”
Are they playing safe and walking on the plank or are they truly stretching themselves and walking on the string. Diligence, discernment and discipline are required to continue to live your value creation. This allows you to bring your greatest contribution to the fore in every situation, interaction and context you find yourself in – self, team, organisation, family, community, society.
The ability to notice the little things we do as well as the large.
Speaking for myself, I, like Lynne, look for the accomplishments and I stand on them. This gives me the power and the muscle to take on the next thing. By following this process, you find the victories, articulate them and then congratulate yourself and others for them.
Celebrating these victories is critical to getting the job done. When we don’t do that, we lose ground. When we do, we take ground.
Taking ground is the key to experiencing that you’re really making progress and making a difference.
This is how we continue to grow, expand and raise our contribution in how we serve.
The times we are living in are exquisite. They are challenging. They are risky.
They demand daring, boldness, authenticity, honesty, and truth.
-How are you living your unique value creation?
Are you standing tall or playing small?
Are you walking on the “string”?
Are you ready to take the next step?
Come on the journey to grow and shape your story of who you are.
Walking Your Luminous Path
“It takes powerful inner resolve to manifest a deep sense of the rightfulness of existence at a time when we’ve been conditioned to fear it.” With all the chaos, misinformation, or should I say ‘dis’-information distributed from mainstream media sites, plus the overload and misuse of Social Media, it can be difficult to discern the…
The Path Ahead – Finding YOUR Path.
Much has happened since December 2020. For many of us, it seems that monumental changes have occurred, or will do as we continue to navigate and transverse these new energies and indeed different times. Moving countries, moving to gentler environments, relocating to more supportive communities and equitable societies seem to be on the minds of…
Re-tuning to the Energies
“ It’s amazing how a little tomorrow can make up for a whole lot of yesterday” John Guare That rickety bridge has felt even more rickety at times during this last month. It felt that possibly a few rungs were missing. Minding one’s step seems increasingly important, especially when the next step is toward…
Winds of Change
“ Honour the space between No Longer and Not Yet” Nancy Levin A friend of mine told me “2020 is best described as being a rickety bridge between Epochs beginning in one Era, and ending in another. It may not feel particularly safe or inviting, but it’s the only way across. I thought that was…
Fight for the things you care about
These times are calling us to take a stand and fight for the things we care about. Twenty years ago, Sydney celebrated the “best games ever”. Well, according to those who attended. Over this past month there has been a literal trip down memory lane, recalling how, as a collective, everyone came together to help…
Conversation – the bigger picture, a bigger purpose.
Conversation – real conversation, where reflection, respect and deep listening occurs is something I feel is needed at this pivotal time in our lives. This has been a recurring theme for me as I, and many of us, navigate these uncertain and yet very opportune times in our respective lives. And then last week, a…
Roots of Connection – Heightened Attention.
“Beware the stories you tell yourself for surely you will be lived by them” – William Shakespeare In these unprecedented times I am noticing how easy it is to get caught in the ‘story’ if one is not operating with heightened awareness. One day can so easily morph into the next and the next. The pulse…
Seeing your shadow as a source for Transformation
Recently I am noticing a lot about ‘shadow’s – most notably my own, but also those of society. Shadows of the past, which seem to be coming up to be redressed and, in many instances, healed. Otto Scharmer, The Presencing Institute states: “What I have learned from various conversations and reflections on our blind spots…
The Path Ahead.
It will have direction and shape – IF you have done the work! “There are times when you have to take bold steps. Make up your mind; know where you are going and never waffle. Many wonderful opportunities are missed by those who are indecisive. In times when you have to take bold steps; take…
The Re-Write
“You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather”. Pema Chodron. The past 4 weeks may have seemed like an eternity for some, and for others, a time pressured haze of days. It is all to do with context, personal circumstances and focus of attention. Is your attention on the sky or has…