A context for life and leadership.

Zen and not pushing....are we done yet?

I don't think I will ever be done, however I do think that I have learned a great deal, and had some deep contemplations and insights as a result of visiting my world from this perspective. I hope this has added some value to those of you who have communicated with me that you have been keeping up with the series. Thanks for the support.

I have the feeling that the next couple of months are important ones. I have started the year and established my Zen context and it seems to be working well.

Now is the time for action!

How many hours have been spent on trying to figure out the right formula for getting into action? As I begin moving, it is worthwhile to spend a little more time looking at this.

Over the last 15 years of coaching and consulting, I have come to recognize 2 categories of people in my clients and colleagues:

• Those that have to have all their 'ducks in a row' before they move into action; a lot of research and information with the potential of 'paralysis by analysis'.
  
• Those that 'just do it'; less information more big picture vision. The potential here is missing important details that insure successful execution, completion and longevity.

I would like to offer a third context for getting into action.

How does it make you feel?

The most important indicators for me to get into action are how I feel and my energy. So, I ask myself one question:

Does the prospect of this project/action give me energy, or take it away?

Let me give you an example.

I have a Equine Assisted Coach training program, http://www.metacg.com/upcoming_events.shtml, that begins in April and several people have told me I have a lot of guts to do it because it is a new field and I am if not the only, certainly one of the few who offer this. I don't agree that it takes guts because the answer to my question when considering this program was unequivocally this gives me energy. I am acting from my passion for coaching and horses! Yes, it is off the beaten corporate track and I do feel like a pioneer, but that gives me energy.

In contrast, I received a call from a very large and prestigious corporate group for coaching and consulting last week. As I was speaking to this person about the prospect of moving into action together, I realized that I was unconsciously 'spinning' what we offer to fit her request. In that moment, I became aware of how I felt and I was tired; very tired. The prospect of entering into a traditional coaching and consulting relationship from my 'work persona' was taking my energy away.

With that awareness I sighed and began to speak from my heart about what we do and its potential value for her and her company. The more I spoke the better I felt and more energy I had to really listen to her questions and answer them honestly. What initially felt like a really bad sales call ended up over an hour later with all parties interested in moving forward and into action toward the next step. Whatever the final outcome, I know I am not getting into action around a situation that takes my energy away.

So the next time you find yourself in a quandary about getting into action about something, stop and think what you need to get moving.

• Are you an 'all my ducks in a row' type of person? Identify and collect the information you need to move, but move it the operative word.
  
• Are you a 'just do it' person? Be sure you haven't overlooked some important detail that will come back to haunt you.
  
• Most importantly, how do you feel when you contemplate this action?
  
• Does this action give you energy?
  
• Does this action take your energy away?

I'm not promoting any one style. I am simply observing life in motion. And I know for certain that this makes me feel good and gives me energy.