1st Rule of Self Evolution - Travel Light

I just read an interesting article that challenged how quickly people will accept the onset of the Automated Vehicles. The driverless cars that are supposed to be the answer to a safer, more fuel efficient future. They drew associations to how slowly people have embraced the fuel efficient electric and hybrid cars currently available. There was a statement that people are not ready to give up their combustion engine or for that matter their opportunity to drive, even in the face of significant benefits. Letting go of control is a scary proposition.

Very often in coaching improving a situation or circumstance is not only about adding new behaviors and beliefs, but just as often it’s about identifying what to subtract. Look honestly at antiquated behaviors or belief structures that no longer serve you. Go deep. Autopsy them, particularly those that feed old programing or reinforce unhealthy paradigms.  Once identified as no longer beneficial or impeding growth they must be cut loose.

But change is hard.

When faced with a stressful or unfamiliar situation, to often the gut response is to revert to a known and practiced approach. Why not choose a known path? Its quick and easy and it may very well suffice. But making that decisions impedes growth; cognitively, emotionally and often physically.  Yes, change is uncomfortable but it is critical to grow. What’s unknown about making a change isn’t only the path forward but what often crowds the mind is the myriad of options. How does one respond to the unimaginable number of potential new outcomes, those incalculable choices, obstacles that can’t be anticipated and emotions that haven't before been experienced in this sequence.

Developing a contingency plan would be exhausting, but what if we didn't. What if we unpacked the fear and simply lived the experience. Some find this, the essence of a life well lived, others a dark closet where scary monsters sleep. Perhaps both are true. 

Indiana Jones, regardless of the obstacle, always found a way around or through. Sure there were times he had to shed his bag, or bank his fear of snakes, or make an impossible leap blindly into the unknown, but in the end he came out smiling. Without question he was learning, it was the point, the very essence of his goal. It was, what he passionately shared with his students.  A key to his success was what he was willing to release, old beliefs or ideals, possessions or relationships, doing so made room for something new? 

Personal growth mirrors this metaphor. If approached as an adventure, a persons evolution will likely hold far more appeal. Adventure rewards one with better insight for the future, bolsters confidence, draws on an intrinsic sense of curiosity and if the extra baggage is shed from the start, allows for a faster paced, more nimble trip. So consider what can be unpacked, trimmed down, and on this adventure of personal discovery take only what serves. Leave the rest behind.

#selfacceptance #lifestyle