Today, a client of mine received a cleansing of sorts. We did a little “rinse and repeat” around his W.I.P. (worldview, identity, principles), the first 3 elements of his six pack CORE. He had sent me his version 3.0 and was feeling pretty good about the clarity that had come.
I began our practice by asking him to tell me more about one of his principles. He did. I asked him some more questions about where in particular this principle plays itself out. This principle is NOT one that he wants to guide his life going forward as much as it guides him today. He’s not sure, however, how to change such an engrained habit that has become more powerful and reflexive overtime. His face told me that this was causing a little discomfort just thinking about changing such a reflexive behavior. I kept going, anyway.
I asked him to tell me where this principle is a positive and where it’s NOT. I made him think more specifically, concretely, and completely about his behavior. I made him slow down and reflect. As he took his time and gathered his thoughts, clarity came. He popped out an example of this principle in his real day to day life. He told me about a reflexive behavior that he wants to change. Slowing down and reflecting led him to his newfound clarity. I smiled and offered my congrats for his discovery. And, I challenged him to write out his newfound clarity and decide on a few baby steps of productive action that will help him STOP a reflexive behavior of his choosing.
Today, my client learned that writing out his WIP is the perpetual work in process that he’s been hearing it is. Today he learned that his reflexive habits that guide his work and life are his choice. Through slowing down and reflecting he chose some new ways forward. A work in process he is. You too.
Who is your builder? Who helps you gain your own clarity, not give you theirs? Who understands your reflexes and helps you nuance when and how to lean in and lean against them?
Today, my client learned a little about one of his principles and I learned a ton extrapolating to one of mine. Today, my client learned that his reflexive behaviors can change. As he slows down, reflects, and chooses new PA, change simply arrives. Today, I was reminded that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Today, like everyday that I get out of my own way, I got the long end of the stick…
BUILT TO LEAD 