Step 4

Step Four: Strategies that will make a difference

There are many strategies to address performance, productivity and learning. There are also formal change management strategies used within organizations that affect people and systems. All may be effective in some manner and yet we don’t necessarily buy into an externalized system or process for change. What we in fact do, is tap into our own internal mechanism for change. We are highly integrated systems with various parts competing or collaborating to enhance our functioning and performance. Somehow, we deny this and try to superimpose an external structure or set of strategies that don’t necessarily fit with who we are and our lifestyles.

Here, I get personal and speak to an approach that includes the mind, body and spirit. This is a perspective not meant to be labelled ‘new age’ or any other for that matter, it’s simply to suggest a framework of strategies based on an integrative approach to change concerning all aspects of who we are.

Let’s begin from the perspective of the thinking mind. The mind is a very tricky thing as it can choose to focus on the path of least resistance or selectively hear what the ego wants. The mind is also the filtering system from how you view or engage with your world. For instance, it’s not likely to see beyond our circumstances from a place where we focus on the discomfort (i.e., I don’t have enough time, I don’t have enough money, I don’t have a choice, I just can’t move anymore). The antidote, instead, is to try initially focusing on, or choosing, one or two things you can change quite effortlessly, without a high level of investment. The question here to ask is ‘how can I make this easier?’ By doing this, we lessen the internal resistance just enough to initiate some change.

After you have made a few relatively simple changes, then the process for vision can be entertained. By visioning, you allow yourself to play in your mind. You may come up with different scenarios, outcomes, ideas, and dream up the best possible picture of your life. Through the process of visioning you can tap into the possibility: toy with a new project idea, new business, a different career, a vacation, a dream home, whatever it is you desire. Visioning is a way forward and literally moves us beyond the confinement of logistics, the how, or self defined limits.

Often when I have invited people to do a visioning exercise, they are curious; yet, quietly questioning it’s value or their own ability that they can (vision). What ensues can be quite surprising for the individual: some unspoken truth or wise suggestion, a heartfelt message, an observation, a concrete detail. Many are surprised by what they discover inside.

So how does one vision? A couple of ways: for starters sit quietly long enough to calm your mind and body. Given the busy nature of our minds, it may be helpful to listen to a guided script (have someone read one to you or listen to a pre-recorded script) that evokes your imagination. This is something you may need to revisit or simply just get comfortable trying. A more concrete way is to use images from a magazine or any media and post them on a large poster, within a book, where ever you can revisit it. Another approach is again to sit quietly, to discover a place in your mind to sit comfortably until your inner guide appears. This may take a little openness and patience on your part.

It takes a certain level of patience and practice to slow yourself down enough to really connect with, not only your mind, but also your body. The body is a reservoir of knowledge and can often predict when something said or experienced is right for you. The body can act as a barometer for stormy change and fair conditions. Given our busy lifestyles, we often don’t fully connect with our bodies and the most immediate way is through our breath. A sigh is a release and relief, a short shallow breath may be a sign of increased stress or anxiety; whereas a full deep breath invites renewed energy and calm. Breathing deeply can bring you back to the centre of your being. It is much easier to understand this when we use the analogy of a newborn connecting to life. Possibly, why navel gazing is not such a bad thing!

“Trust only movement. Life happens at the level of events, not of words. Trust movement.” Alfred Adler

The other aspect of body is its movement. We are moving at a cellular level, as well, functionally seen by the naked eye. As a strategy to move beyond that which is old, uncomfortable and no longer beneficial, we can access movement. This is exemplified by the benefits of walking and physical activity. As you walk your thoughts unfold, as you climb, push, run, and pull, we shift, change angles and expend energy; all movement requires change or an exchange of energy. While you are driving in cruise control the pace is comfortable and steady, yet to move out of it you need to shift gears or strategically change your position. The same holds true to achieve results in personal fitness: one must move with effort, power, and agility. When you move, something may become visible and apparent for you to benefit by.  There is a potential gain and possible outcomes to acquire. If our bodies are a means to gauge our circumstances and elicit some desirable change, then our spirit is the source in directing or navigating the change.

Vision is creating, inspiration is breathing, motivation is listening. Motivation comes from a source of passion and desire. Positive action comes from a place of wisdom, responsibility, and care. To preserve our spirit and strength we have a personal responsibility to self and self care. It is difficult to move beyond the status quo when our time and energy is scattered. We lose our focus and direction. We may provide great care for others and yet, possibly lose sight of our own responsibility to self as well as our strength to persevere. Naturally, there are reciprocal gains in caring for others however, a caution for those of you attempting to make a major shift, creating momentum and desired change. We need to strategically preserve our energy in times of transition and great change. The well must be full. You do not need to look far to notice how you care for yourself and limit your growth and success. Before you go about any change, fill up your own well so that it can be replenished by those you choose to connect and exchange energy with.

You can begin with simple self care strategies: primarily, it’s helpful to access your inner guide or source, whatever provides a sense of direction or faith. How does one do this? Be consciously mindful, breathe, and listen quietly through mediation, prayer, or private reflection. There are many resources to help you in your process of connecting to spirit – teachers, books and courses on meditation and prayer. Yet, it may be more prudent to simply disengage from external distractions and momentarily be present and aware. In spirit, you are not necessarily going backwards or forwards, you are staying exactly where you are, until the truth emerges. This will guide you on the next step toward change.

Action: Identify one or two strategies you can implement for:
1) Mind  – notice when I’m in judgment and ask, ‘what can I learn from this?’
2) Body  – be mindful of my breathing and use when feeling uncertain.
3) Spirit – start each day with a five minute meditation.