016: Stick Or Twist
This week’s note comes from a conversation I had with Tim a few months ago.
At the time, I wanted to make a change. There was something not quite right and I knew within me that I wanted to do something about it. Tim had asked me to prepare a list of options that we could explore in our next session together.
With my challenge set, I came along to our next session with around 7-8 options. I dutifully listed off each one, along with a detailed - perhaps, excessive - account of the thinking that went into each option.
Tim politely, and very patiently by this stage, pointed out that my comprehensive list of eight options could really be summarised as three broad choices. These were:
Maintain the status quo
Blow everything up and do something new, or
Evolve from the current position into something new
Maintaining the status quo was not really an option for me. I felt strongly enough about needing to make the change, that doing nothing would have been the wrong move in this instance.
That left me with my two other options: “Blow everything up and do something new” or “evolve gradually from my current position”.
Often, blowing everything up and starting again is the most tempting option. It may seem like the best way to get from your current position to a new position in a short period of time - but it’s not without its risks.
Ultimately, I chose to evolve gradually over time. Not breaking anything but making a conscious and concerted effort to move from one position to a new position.
Each of these options has their place (when chosen consciously and with good reason; by balancing up the benefits and the risks), but meandering along - kicking the can down the road - without picking any of the options can only hold you back and prevent you from moving forwards.
So, what’s playing on your mind at the moment?
Are you going to ‘stick’ or ‘twist’?
James
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