The Key to Growth That’s Hiding in Plain Sight

This year I’ve been making a push to scale my business.  It is also, despite having gotten a flu shot, the sickest winter I’ve had in a long time.  Introduce the “lizard brain.”  It takes enormous energy to expect a different outcome, when you are trying to do things the way you always have.  And yes, that can wear you down.

Take the leader who wants to motivate her team, reduce turnover and have more time to meet her own goals.  The voice of resistance, the lizard brain, might say something like, “Really.  I mean, can’t they just take it.  I didn’t fall apart every time someone told me I’d messed up.  And aren’t I being inauthentic if I coddle my people when it’s just not my style?”

Or the professional who wants a promotion, but isn’t willing to identify the key decision makers and work at improving his relationship with those people.  Instead, it’s “That’s for self-promoters.  My work is solid.  I’m just going to put my head down and keep at it.”

Or those of you who would love to feel excited about going to work every day, but tell yourself that work is work. Wanting a sense of purpose and to feel like you are living up to your potential is spoiled and whimsical.

Remember the furies in Greek mythology?  They were the townspeople, or the voices, that kept the hero from doing what he or she needed to do.  Here’s an exercise to try.  Imagine all the doubts are like those furies.  See how eager they are.  And just put them aside.  Head to another space, put gags on them, whatever you need to do.  Then think of one thing that makes you uncomfortable, but that you’ve consistently heard can help shift things.  Then, like a star athlete, imagine doing that.  Feel into what could happen and what is possible.  It’s OK if it feels uncomfortable.  Once you do that, plan and commit to one time that you will try the new thing.  Doesn’t have to be forever; just try it once.

I always love hearing your experiences, so please write once you try it. If you would like to schedule a conversation to chat about the chatter in your head, please click here to schedule a complimentary session with me.