Finding Inspiration During Change

Inspiration is all around us. Sometimes it comes in an email labeled 'TYWK' or 'For You'. Sometimes it's a meme posted on social media. Other times it's more subtle.

• A song playing that reminds you of a more hopeful time.
• A letter of encouragement tucked into a notepad that reappears when you most need a kind word.
• A phone call from a former coworker that buoys you with encouragement.
• Solving a difficult problem that reminds you of your knowledge and skills.

In times of change moments of inspiration can feel especially significant and being mindfully open to it helps keep a person focused and purposeful.

One such source is a simple book for young children: Courage, by Bernard Waber. It explores both the large and small ways that people are courageous. It can be as small as eating a new food and as BIG as being a firefighter. The storyline takes children through the initial fear and hesitation when facing a new situation (change) and taking action (courage) even if they are fearful.

I've given this book to graduates, to people starting over after divorce, to new parents. The significance of this simple book for me is the final page that takes it from a gentle reminder to a lasting purpose.

"Courage is what we give to each other."

There have been mentors and leaders in my professional life that have either inspired me to be like them or made me determined not to emulate their ways. Either way they have helped shape my leadership style.

The most memorable are those that encouraged me. Some, although we haven't worked together in years, still take the time to reach out, to listen, to let me know they believe in me. And isn't that giving courage to each other?

A goal for me is to take inspiration from their actions and seek ways to encourage others, and then following through. It's tempting to stay in the moment of analysis paralysis, but don't.

Show personal courage and push through the hesitation to take action.

Taking Action

One of the best ways I've learned to get me through the hesitation and into action came from watching a commissioned furniture salesperson work with a customer.

After several minutes of trying to understand the personal need that compelled them to visit the store, the salesperson rephrased the response they had heard and then asked an important question. It went like this:

"I'm hearing that you aren't sure what you'd like to see today. I think that browsing is certainly your best option. In order for me to do my job and point you in a good direction, I'm wondering: If you DID know what you were looking for, what would it be?"

If you did know... what would it be? WOW.

I've used that to break me out of my own analysis paralysis in my work life. It's also useful to help me move into action when faced with a difficult decision that has been complicated by personal mourning.

That internal dialog sounds something like this:

"I feel so stuck. I don't know what to do. But; if I did know what to do, what's the first step towards doing it?" And then take that step.

Sometimes the first step is:

• Getting a good night sleep.
• Calling someone for their input.
• Throwing something away.
• Taking a shower.
• Having a cup of tea.
• Brushing my hair.
• Deleting an email.
• Closing my eyes for a count to 10 with some deep breaths.
• Finding something that has gone right and expressing gratitude.
• Using the 10-10-10 rule before taking action: Will it matter in 10 minutes? 10 Days? 10 years?

Whatever works for you: time is all we really have, and it's one thing we can't precisely count on always being available. Break through the initial fear and take action. Have COURAGE.

~~~

Your local bookstore may carry COURAGE, but if not: here's a link to the book on bookshop.org. Bookshop.org gives a portion of all sales to the independent bookstores in the United States, which keeps our neighbors employed and our communities vibrant. It is a great alternative to Am@$0n.

Comments welcomed: let me know who had encouraged you!