Welcome the Disruption
The only way out is through.
Typical quiet, contemplative winter has felt unexpectedly disruptive. In fact just this week in Bend it's been sunny and 60 degrees only to wake up to 5-6 inches of snow the next day!
Wide open space, no set direction, can’t settle in, uncertainty, quiet chaos, even boredom – these are all components of disruption. All of this despite the 2024 goals, vision boards, and vows to exercise more.
Disruptiveness is awkward and uncomfortable.
And this is the good news!
This is a sign that we are on our way inward; embarking on a journey that will reveal for us whatever may be next.
Disruption is a sign that something new or innovative is afoot.
Think about how many iterations the telephone, flight, and all kinds of advanced technology took before they actually became successful. These are all examples of “products” that needed chaos, countless revisions, and yes, disruption to eventually lead them to a successful outcome.
The human psyche needs disruption to be successful too. It starts with making the willing decision to change.
Here, we boldly choose to invest in our own self innovation.
And to innovate … sometimes we need to step back from who we are to be able to step forward into who we want to become.
Step back and ask -
“What’s working? What isn’t? What now? What next?”
Step forward and ask - “Now how do I get there? What will illuminate my way forward?”
When we do this we recognize that the
only way out is through.
Yes,
through the proverbial mud
the uncertainty
through the fog
and all of those uncomfortable feelings.
The middle is messy.
It is a time of confusion and frustration, yet can also become a time for contemplation, quiet, and re-evaluating what’s important and why.
And then one day it will happen!
When you are feeling just restless enough…
You will be ready.
“Ready to take the right risks.
To play where no one else is playing.
To value and lean into our own newly discovered strengths and values.”
Whitney Johnson, CEO Disruption Advisors
Yes, sometimes we need to step back… in order to step forward and grow.
Here are a few ideas that may help you quiet the disruption, and begin to jump start your own innovation for spring:
Crystallize that future vision of yourself. Anchor in that new image of who you are becoming. See yourself in your daily routine, your new role, new relationship, and new mindset. You are already on your way “there.”
Disruption is temporary. Remember disruption is part of a cycle, and cycles spin. You won’t be here forever so take advantage of the slower pace and feeling a little bit stuck.
Use this quieter time for some solid reflection: journal each morning, go on quiet walks with nature as your only companion, reflect with some poetry, cook, create, read, be still.
Inertia. Once in motion you want to stay in motion. Do one small thing each day. Do something that will move you closer to that future vision of yourself.
Exercise. It’s no surprise that fired up endorphins is that secret sauce that sparks motivation and a positive state of mind. Sometimes it’s easy to forget when we are swirling in our quiet chaos. When we make exercise a top priority our day just goes better.
Share your goals with others. I’ve said this before, but when we put community around our goals we have more points of light looking out for us and where we want to go next. By doing this, we already “up” our commitment level by sharing with others our exciting plans for ourselves and the world.
Show up and do the work. This sounds a little insensitive, but changing and reinventing ourselves is really hard, disciplined work. Each day be ready to fully show up – good day or bad day – with the notion you are “in this transition to win it!”
This legitimate "life work" requires meaningful aspirations, a tough mindset, a clear action plan, discipline, and ongoing support.
I am here to help, listen, inspire, create, plan – you name it!
Spring is coming! Time to regenerate and INNOVATE!!