I had a former boss who would always tell me to take a step back and look at a situation first from the 30,000 foot mark. It didn't matter the task or situation. Complicated work problem? Take a step back. Next career move? Take a step back. It's a great analogy, not only because at the time I was working for a travel company, but when you're up in a plane, looking down, it's hard to see the details, but you can see for miles. It really helps lend perspective to where you're at.
The other night as I laid down to sleep, I could tell my brain was still actively working. I’ve had many nights like these in my life. Nights where, no matter what I do, I cannot seem to fall asleep. I toss and turn, trying breathing techniques, reading, or writing; basically anything not screen related. Sometimes this clears my mind, and I can fall asleep, other times it does not. In this instance, I opened my phone, put on a breathing exercise, and lay down to try and clear my mind. About two (2) minutes in, I could tell I had something vivid on my mind, something which had to be put to paper, so I ended my meditation and pulled out my notebook.
I had four (4) things running very clearly through my head. The first three (3) things came immediately, with the fourth not too far behind. All four I have come to really enjoy, so I wrote them down in my notebook.
I enjoy…
- Talking and relating to others in one-on-one situations
- Thinking about the future and how to get from where I am now to where I want to go
- Writing plans and steps for how to get there
- Being in control of myself and my actions, future, and life
I could feel the juices flowing and felt like the next step was to list the things I don’t enjoy. At first, I felt myself instinctively trying to write very specific things and tasks, but I stopped myself. I had done this before. I knew I needed to take a step back and really look at this from the 30,000-foot level.
I don’t enjoy…
- Being stuck too far into the details
- Doing things because that’s how it’s always been done
- Obligation
- Forced anything
- Not being in control
Within seconds of writing the last item, I had my next topic.
I am…
- Confident in what I want next
- Aware of my limitations and constraints
- In more control than I think and give myself credit for
- Scared of settling
My last topic came to me almost as quickly as the previous.
I can…
- Overcome my fears
- Achieve my dreams
- Take appropriate steps to remove constraints
- Make sacrifices in the short term for long term gain
I finished my entry by simply writing “I got this!” I laid back down, resumed my breathing exercise and within minutes I was fast asleep, waking before my alarm, my body and mind feeling as rested as ever.
When was the last time you stepped back and identified what you enjoy and what you don’t or who you are and what you can do? I challenge you to take a step back, paint with big broad strokes, and don’t worry too much about the details now. They will fall into place. If you find yourself stuck or unsure where to even begin, let's talk. I would love to see how we can work and dream together to get you to your next big thing.
Comments