Take the Easy Way
There are easy and surprisingly effortless ways of approaching many of the hard and challenging
parts of our lives. Picking one way over the other becomes possible only if we recognize we have a choice.
New possibilities and new perspectives are most readily generated with the help of others.
-- Steve Reiter
Dear Friend,
Back when I was in my early training to become a coach, the workshop leaders had created a big pie-shaped figure
on the floor, with blue tape outlining the circle of the pie and eight segments. This pie-shaped figure was used
throughout the workshop to reveal to us the nature and process inherent in choosing.
Each "piece" of the pie was big enough for five or more people to stand in. They used sheets
of paper with words printed on them to label each piece, so people would know which piece meant which choice.
We did the exercise many times, using different sets of labels, to demonstrate various principles.
In one particular exercise, the segments were labeled with activities that would lead us to success in our coaching
businesses. I can't recall all the labels, but among them were "Advertising," "Offering Presentations,"
"Writing," and "Networking."
We were directed to stand in the piece of the pie that represented the most important thing we could be doing
to build our budding coaching businesses.
After a brief (and somewhat painful) deliberation, we all chose one piece of the pie to stand in. Reluctantly,
I chose the "Offering Presentations" segment, because I thought that would be the best way to accomplish
my goal of increasing the numbers of people I coach. I say "reluctantly," because while I enjoy
giving some presentations, they don't come as easily as... writing, for example.
Easy as pie
Ok. So picture this. We're all standing in our piece of the pie, many of us wearing serious resignation
on our faces. And then we were directed to stand in the piece of the pie that represented the easiest
and most enjoyable thing we could do to build our businesses.
Smiles erupted on more than a few of us, as we quickly stepped into different segments... segments which we
knew we could actually enjoy doing. I couldn't help but notice the sudden shift in energy in the room.
Ease and enjoyment will do that.
An example in real life
Once I decided that it would be a good idea for me to start a newsletter, it took me nearly a year before the the
first issue appeared. Why? I had believed the newsletter had to have a certain kind of look and feel
in order to attract and keep readers. It was only when I realized that I could just do it the way I wanted
that the words began to flow. How did I come to realize that I could just do it the way I found naturally?
Someone else tried it and wrote about her experience.
Another example
Over this past summer, I was doing pretty well at sitting down to meditate every day. But I lost that focus,
and then my resolve, once the hecticness of the school year was upon us. I struggled to make it happen, but
it didn't. Then, in a conversation with a dear friend, I mentioned my difficulty. She said, "What
do you need from me?" And, noticing the shift in my perspective from "I have to do this by myself"
to "I can use the help of those around me," I said, "Call me everyday and ask me if I meditated
yet."
That's all it took. I've found the time without any of the struggle I was having. At that time,
the easy way for me was to get a hand from someone else. I didn't need to struggle. And thank you,
Nancy.
Summary
There are easy and surprisingly effortless ways of approaching many of the hard and challenging parts of our lives.
Picking one way over the other becomes possible only if we recognize we have a choice. New possibilities
and new perspectives are most readily generated with the help of others. (Doesn't this sound familiar?)
Your turn
- Where are you struggling right now?
- If you granted yourself permission to move forward in a completely new way... a way that was more fun, easier,
or, perhaps, honors your natural style to a greater extent, what would you do differently?
- What resources can you tap into that will support you?
- What will shift your energy, focus, or perspective?
- Where have you not explored?
Resources
People all around you.
Coaches.
The Universe.
As always, I welcome your experiences, comments, and expertise. If you would like to discover how the
perspectives offered in a coaching relationship might support you in building a life of fulfillment, give me a
call. I'd love to support you in your journey. And...
May it be a good one -
Steve
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