Life has been a bit of a roller coaster ride lately with lots of ups and downs. I wish we were experiencing more highs, since we’ve definitely been seeing plenty of lows. However, we know from gravity that what goes up must come down and this is all part of the natural cycle of life. Expansion is often followed by contraction. The pendulum swings left, then right before returning to the center when it finds more equilibrium.

We are definitely on track for a bit of a restructuring, correction or redirection of resources as the winds of change move through. Rethinking may be needed personally as our outer world undergoes fundamental shifts. I notice how we often have unrealistic expectations for continued growth, yet clearly many Americans want a reset and believe we can return to the “good old days”.

Our Western capitalist orientation often focuses on growth at all costs, damn the consequences. Needless to say, the push to extract and get ahead is not without it’s impact and likely to result in more fall-out. Living in a society that is constantly thrumming to hyper-growth “go go go” energy can cause us to get swept up in it ourselves.

When I first left my corporate full-time position, a former colleague told me point blank that if I wasn’t actively engaged in my industry’s issues at the time (being “in” and “on”), then I was clearly “out.” No rest for the weary as they say, breaks are not valued in our work ethic that promotes burn out. A “what have you done for me lately?” attitude is common – as we try to squeeze blood from a stone. That attitude reinforces that if you’re not continually producing and getting ahead, then you’re just not trying hard enough.

I question a perspective that perpetuates extraction at all costs that has contributed to the mess we are in right now. Sometimes we need to step back, consider our situation and take a pause. Thoughtfulness can lead to more strategic approaches whereas pushing forward can lead to reckless endangerment. After all, constant unrestrained growth is the definition of a cancerous tumor. Not an ideal model for how to measure success. How about finding more equilibrium and balance with the natural world?

FINDING MORE FLOW

Sometimes we need to push and act aggressively to move forward and build momentum. Other times, we may need to step back, get perspective, assess the broader situation and wait. Take a PAUSE. A right upward pointing hockey stick trajectory of positive growth may feel inspiring for some, yet doesn’t fully reflect how growth typically happens which is more a function of hard work, experimentation, luck and timing.

The next time you find yourself in a slow or quiet period, please don’t fret. Sometimes we need to take one step forward, then two steps back to learn from our experience and re-evaluate how to approach the road ahead. When we find ourselves at a cross-roads, perhaps stalled or stuck where we are or in between options, it can feel unsettling to not be moving. Yet that doesn’t mean that things aren’t happening.

Treading water, coasting or waiting for more information are all valid ways to handle periods of uncertainty. We can’t always rush ahead to ever greater heights. Sometimes we need to hunker down and consolidate our gains or thoughtfully rethink our way forward to avoid previous mistakes. Taking a time out doesn’t make us bad, wrong, flawed or f*ck ups. It may simply mean we are “in between”. We don’t always need to be DOING something to be doing things. Stuff is happening, but it can be subtle and under the surface.

What’s most important is to recognize where you are now, acknowledge what’s going on and take stock of your situation. This is where you get to decide what matters and how you wish to respond.

Being Thoughtful

So, what choices are available to you now? What are you being asked to learn? How can you make the best of your current circumstances?

When sh*t happens and we need to deal, my invitation is to not throw in the towel or throw your hands up in hopelessness. Instead, it’s time to dig deep and figure out how best to direct your energy.

• What can you control? This is where you need to focus.
• What will bring you more joy? This is a better place for you to be.
• Where can you adjust your priorities? How can you better align with your values?

Sometimes small tweaks may be all that is needed to navigate around rough patches. Not everything requires a big move or lots of action. Riding the rapids can take us for a ride, and we can also float. We may not feel comfortable slowing down or stepping back, but sometimes this is exactly what we need to put in place more supportive practices. For instance, maybe you could set new boundaries, carve out time for exercise and self-care or cultivate a new hobby. Or perhaps you need to develop a new skill at work, expand your knowledge and start researching new areas.

You can start small and begin to make meaningful changes in your life and work. Not everything has to be all or nothing, go big or go home. There is power in making subtle shifts and taking the long view. Keeping things in perspective. Appreciate all the good things you have going on in your life or work right now. Focus on the positive.

Once you commit to making a change, you will be setting the wheels in motion, and before you know it shift will start happening.

Wherever you are now, and however you’re feeling about your work and the state of the world, ask yourself: “what one thing can I do now to be happier?” and go from there. See if you can make that happen. I’d love to hear what comes up for you! Shoot me a quick email response or if you want to dive deeper about your own situation, reach out to connect.

To gracefully navigating around challenges,

Lenore