Mind Over Water

In a recent newsletter I shared the story of my five year old daughter getting victory over her fear of swimming. If you haven't read it yet, click here to take two minutes to read the story. Then return here to learn more.

So, what is your story? What made the difference?

Chances are you have stories yet to be told. I’m guessing there are some areas that haven’t clicked yet for you—that are holding you back, that still have you bound by the chains of “Well, I’m just not very good at that.”

What is it that, if you actually did it, would give you a similarly joyous, “I can do this!” “I did it!” “I am a ___________!”

Here are a couple strategies I share as a coach, to help you cross the line.

A clear principle of change is that if you want different results, you must take different actions. Sounds obvious, but it’s a principle that is often ignored. Have you actually tried taking different actions? In my executive coaching practice I find too many people that have checked out on their dreams or ambitions, choosing the rut of complacency to actually changing areas of their life that would add meaning and satisfaction.

Yet let’s face it… Doing things differently is difficult. That’s why another critical principle is that if you’re having trouble doing different things, maybe what you need to do is start looking at the problem in a different way.

Click here to learn more about my book,
Navigating the Winds of Change:
Staying on Course in Business & in Life.

For example, you might really want to exercise more faithfully but always find good excuses to skip it. You’ve tried “doing different things” (creating a museum of useless exercise equipment in your closets and basement), but the excuses always win.

I have a friend who was diagnosed with diabetes. Suddenly his perspective on exercising changed from “a good idea” to a necessity. It was a different way of seeing the problem.

How could you look at your issue differently? It’s not about losing pounds—it’s about being healthier 20 years from now so you can better enjoy those you love. It’s not about being less nervous when you deliver presentations. It’s about gaining one of the critical skills required for the senior leadership position you want some day.

A wise friend and mentor, James MacDonald, teaches: “Name the lie, insert the truth.” Reframing the way we think often means we have to slay the lies that hold us captive. I’ve found those dragons are apt to reappear unless I replace them with something else: the truth.

Could there be some lies that you’ve been clinging onto, not realizing they are the fetters that are holding you back from victory?

My little daughter found a way to reframe swimming in her mind. It wasn’t a matter of sneaky mind altering techniques from daddy’s coaching practice—it came from inside, and the result will be years of fun and fitness.

I invite you to click "Post a Comment" below and share your story....

May you experience the joy that our little five year old did this last weekend. We are here to help.

Labels: leadership, managing change, reality

posted by Andy at 12:17 AM

Mind Over Water

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