Think Process
Coaching Tip #52
Successful pursuits are built of everyday actions!
And although each pursuit has a desired end result, I would argue that it is the process of our experiences that extraordinary results are grounded in. That is where we find joy.
Examine your most accomplished pursuit, be it a career achievement, something of personal importance, or an athletic achievement and ask yourself how you felt post that defining event.
I bring your attention to something labelled “post-Olympic depression” that can be applicable to any of us who have strived to achieve. It is the crash that comes after a deep commitment to a goal. A result, whether it is successful or not, means you become untethered from the pursuit. You achieved (or failed to achieve) and with that, the experience comes to a halting end. The pursuit as you know it is over.
The reality is that pinnacle experiences don’t often bring positive long-term feeling of joy. Celebrations are momentary and then, as the sun rises, the focus moves elsewhere. It is impossible to physically go backwards and repeat the pinnacle, although the mind may replay the event over and over again.
While that moment is gone, the journey experienced and the relationships built can never be taken away from you. You come to realize that the performance of ordinary actions, end up creating extraordinary competencies. This is what must be savored and then put back into play.
These are the small but meaningful intentions repeated over and over again with a consistent focused effort. It starts with one intention which leads to ten and then on to a hundred and eventually into the thousands. The path to extraordinary is built through these efforts, facing challenges and overcoming the roadblocks. At the end of the day, deep inside you, is the joy that you actualized your intentions by doing the work and learning the lessons that needed to be learned. That deep satisfaction can’t be bought. It is earned. The developed capabilities of that pursuit just is a wonderful part of who you are.
I cannot answer what strengths came from your last year’s daily action – we are all individuals on our own path. But I willingly share mine to help you articulate yours. Here are my top 5.
Facing obstacles with courage
Building trust in myself
Developing new skills
Forward focus on things I can control
Sharing with my community
As we close 2020, ponder the extraordinary competencies you developed through actions. Write them down, share them with someone and continue to be accountable to them. Put them in play in as you pursue your goals of 2021. These strengths are our edge in building your bright future. You are in charge.
Happy New Year
Melinda