First 4 steps to create a platform and getting out of the trap
What if what you have is not what you want? What if you feel trapped in a life that no longer suits nor inspires you? What if you’re doing a job or running a business that doesn’t reward you in the way it used to?
Many personal development coaches and trainers quickly introduce the “S-m-a-r-t” method. Armies of people have learned to pull out their trump card and set themselves to task identifying goals linked to each letter: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timed. They miss 50% of the solution.
These are changing times. Things used to be much more defined with clear expectations about what was correct. You climbed a pre-destined ladder, often starting at the bottom. The brain’s left hemisphere dominated the scene, able to define and measure.
In a changing world the boundaries are increasingly blurred. There isn’t one right or wrong way. You don’t have to be old to be wise, you don’t have to be young to learn. You don’t have to climb the ladder nor start at the bottom. You might want to check if the ladder is leaning against the right wall? Qualities that count are resourcefulness, creativity and agility. If we are to keep up with the advancement of technology, we need to tap into the brain’s right hemisphere, as well as the logical left.
If the life, career, business, relationship you have, isn’t what you want and you feel confused and trapped, then no crystal ball in the world is going to help you be “specific” or indeed set “measurable” goals. Measured and timed against what? What was right 6 months ago might have already changed.
Interestingly, in Dutch the word “trap” actually means ladder. So instead of being “trapped” (Eng.), use the t-r-a-p (Ned.) to get out. The way to do this successfully is to engage the two phenomenal sides of the human brain. This brings fresh, new thinking and never thought of before opportunities.
Practice the A – R – T – S
- Awareness as a first step to cure
You can’t fix what you don’t acknowledge. Make an assessment of how you really feel. What sustains you when no one is watching? Become aware of where you truly are and what you truly want. Join the dots; put a spotlight on the bigger picture and then a magnifying glass on your (business) pain/pleasure.
- Right brain image creation
Get away from the here and now for a moment and describe, draw, write, collate what you are missing and want to attract into your life. Use music, imagery, photos, inspiring people/ideas as examples. When were you really were in flow? Where does your attention go when you take a few minutes out? It probably won’t be a clear picture or a chronological account of what needs to happen. Get back to the things you love, the things that make you, you. Create a thinking outside the box mind map.
- Test, try out and take three tangibles
We all want to do the 180-degree turnaround. Start again with a clean slate. Don’t. Try things on for size. Test out new ideas, get feedback. Allow yourself to make mistakes. Then begin with three tangible things you can do immediately. Get started straight away and be pragmatic.
- Silence your left brain
Immediately after step 1 your logic left brain will kick in with the First Aid kit. It will ask “how much?”, “how long?”, “where?”, “how?”. Don’t be tempted to rush to results. There is mileage in sitting with the dilemma and to take time to work it out, but go to the bigger picture first.
Practice ARTs. Be committed to the journey and find creative ways of writing your own next chapter. You are in the driving seat and -if you believe this- anything is possible if you start with Unspecific and Immeasurable.
Are you ready to reinvent, re-shape, innovate and transition your life, your career, your business?
