Turning Roadblocks into Opportunities for Creative Change

If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. Michael Jordan

It's almost impossible to arrive at this time of year without contemplating the bright new horizons that lie ahead, especially the opportunities to learn new things. Even the country is abuzz with new possibilities. For one, there is the upcoming presidential election with the first African- American presidential nominee and the first woman vice presidential candidate. Wherever you sit on the political aisle, there is much to consider. Also, as a nation, we seem to have turned a corner with respect to how we look at the environment and our use of energy. Serious conversations can now be had about research for alternative sources of energy beyond fossil fuels. Finally, the economy is also a big issue that looms over everything. The general uncertainty it creates have forced many of us to look at our spending through critical eyes that now routinely discern the important from the trivial.

Change is always followed or brought about by uncomfortable life adjustments. Over the past few months, an increasing number of clients, both corporate and individual, have approached us with concerns about the economic downturn. As a professional services firm, we are also very much aware of the changes in client spending and the need to operate our own organizational resources more efficiently. We believe in the added benefit we provide to our clients. Therefore we stay focused on those objectives. If you are facing challenges in your business or personal life due to the economic downturn, we would like to invite you to look at those setbacks with new eyes. Go ahead, flip the paradigm you see in front of you and consider the roadblocks you are experiencing as opportunities; your chance to learn new lessons and along the way, to grow a little.

Use Challenges to Fuel Your Best Work

Let's face it, most of us learn best and in fact, become our best through challenges. During those times, we are forced to peel away the layers of excess and pretence to trust only what is essential and real. What is essential and real in your life? What is essential and real for your business? What are your core values? Renowned author, trainer and developer of the field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Robert Dilts says that values are associated with worth, meaning and desire; they are a primary source of internal motivation. He goes on to suggest that when people's values are met or matched, they feel a sense of satisfaction, harmony, or rapport with the world around them. Conversely, when their values are not met or matched, people often feel dissatisfied, incongruent, or sometimes even personally violated.

The goals you set for yourself and your family are, in fact, the tangible expressions of your values. While having money is a part of that, and during economically challenging times such as these it is easy to feel that a core value is being violated. Ask yourself why you want money? When challenged to look at the subject, very few people say that they want money for its own sake. For most money usually represents something deeper and more essential to their core. Money usually represents deeper values around having a sense of security, protection, and well-being. Money is the tangible belief that expresses those values. During hard economic times, when the thing you choose as the tangible expression your core values about security, protection, and well-being is at risk, you can feel like Linus in the Peanuts series - that someone is taking away your blanket. Where else can you find your security?

You might remind yourself that money is just a symbol that represents your core values. It is not, in itself, what is valuable. Money may be useful and necessary; after all we do live in a physical world. But is money essentially valuable? If you accept that conclusion, what other symbols might you use to represent your core values? If you are applying this question to your business, consider the idea of loyalty as exemplified by employees who stay with you when they could go elsewhere, for bigger paychecks and benefits, because they believe in your dreams. Consider the notion of integrity, as seen by the fact that you always pay your vendors and workers first. Or, that you are doing work that matters to you. If you want to apply this principle to a personal situation, consider perhaps that you have deep friendships grounded in mutual respect. You have people around who support your dreams. Or, perhaps, that you and those you love are well sheltered and are in good health.

Differentiate Between What Is Symbolic And What Is Valuable

If you take an honest look at your life and think about what you truly value, you will likely find that you have enough. You have enough, for now, to make it through the difficult times. You may not do so with the financial assurance of a Bill Gates or Warren Buffet, but you will make it through with all of who you are, so far. So slow down the train of discontent by not going too far into the future. Look at your life as it is now and then ask yourself: do I have enough of what I need for today? For most people the answer to that question will be yes. If it is not, ask yourself: what can I do now, today, to make sure that I have what is essential?

A good gardener knows that plants can only grow strong and remain healthy when they are trimmed of unnecessary branches and leaves. What is superfluous in your life? What needs to be pruned back in order allow your creativity and true essence to shine through?

Email us at info@i-catalyst.us and let us help you answer your questions.