Nature as a Model
Explain – Just as we need heat to survive, we need goals to survive. Most of us recognize this, and as a result, we find ourselves pursuing goals. So many leaders and entrepreneurs are endowed with this striving ability that they become very focused on goal attainment. They often lose sight of the imbalance they create in the process. In nature that imbalance leads to clouds and rain. When you combine the differences between water and land temperatures, you get storms. In life these imbalances show up in the form of divorce, personnel turnover, dysfunctional teams, partner dissolution and even health crises. The key to maintaining equilibrium is to recognize the old adage that when the storm clouds appear, “Balance is more important than speed.” If nothing else, this can help you avoid the family squall you create.
Story – One of the storms in my life that I created was due to excessive focus on launching Pro356 Consulting. Even when I was with my family, I wasn’t. Funny thing is that one of our standard workshops on priority management dealt with this problem. After the 100th “You didn’t hear a word I was saying” dinner table comment, I had a silver lining moment. I started recapping my day at 4:49 pm every day (Tiny Habits shout out for the odd timing prompt) by answering 4 questions each day. I then plan out and print my tomorrow today, BEFORE I leave for home. This little change allows me to be present when I am present. My questions which brought me back into balance were:
1) What went well?
2) What could be improved?
3) What did I learn or reinforce?
4) What am I grateful for?
These four steered me through a storm of my own making and keep lightening bolts from jolting my marriage.
Questions to ask yourself:
Where are you out of equilibrium?
What in your life is heating up and threatening to get out of balance?
What is the pattern of storms and calm in your life?
Describe your situation after the storm has passed and you are at equilibrium.
Next: Part 4 - There is Always a Storm
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