I love those who can smile in trouble, who can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but they whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves their conduct, will pursue their principles unto death. - LEONARDO DA VINCI
Distractions will destroy you. You throw discipline out every time you allow distractions to entertain your mind.
I know none of you want to be destroyed. I know none of you want to be undisciplined. So, why do you allow it to happen?
You lack vision.
When you lack vision, you lack discipline. When you deny your own vision, someone else employs you to build theirs. This is the circle of millions around the world.
But I know you're not just anyone. You're a high-performer. You are a can-do person. You are a winner. Maybe not right now, but you've experienced winning and success in the past.
You've crushed it and now you are stuck, frustrated and possibly angry with what your life has become. This is normal. Especially if you are between the ages of 35-45.
What you need is a healthy dose of reflection.
When you begin to understand the ABC framework in coaching, you can see how each part helps to lead you down the road toward clarity, purpose and significance.
I recommend reading these blogs first before you start on balanced reflection.
Do you remember the film City Slickers? My wife and I put this on the other night. Billy Crystal is one of my favorites and if you need a clear picture of what reflection could look like, watch this movie.
In the film, Billy Crystal and his friends are all in a mid-life sort of crisis. One of them hates his job, another has an affair and the third is scared to have kids.
They all feel fearful, frustrated and lack clarity for their life.
The first thing they do is gain awareness. They all confirm with each other their lives are in a downward spiral and they need help.
They decide to plan a trip to get out of the city and bond over herding cattle for 2 weeks from New Mexico to Colorado.
During this cattle drive, guess what they do? They begin reflecting on their lives. They begin to enjoy the simple life. Gratefulness and mindfulness explode within them.
Their lives are transformed and that is what I am challenging you on today.
What would it take for you to reflect on your own life? You don't need to wait for a crisis to happen. Don't wait for a loved one to die.
As Leonardo Da Vinci said in the above quote, "reflection is bravery."
What area in your life do you need bravery?
Is it in your marriage?
Is it with your kids?
Is it in your career?
Is it in your personal development?
Is it having more fun time?
Is it in your home?
Is it with your money?
When you first attempt reflection, you will get bombarded with distractions. Everything in your life will come storming. You will remember things you need to do from 10 years ago. It will feel impossible.
Which is why it's so important to do it. Do the hard things because hard work works.
It's just like working out. The more you get in there and do it, the easier it becomes. The habit makes you a hero. The same goes for reflection.
Let me give you the framework I use when I reflect. I sucked big time and this really helped me.
The framework goes like this as an acronym:
REMEMBER: Bring the failure or negative experience to your attention.
EXPERIENCE: What happened. Bring the details to life.
FOCUS: Who was involved, when and where did it occur. Really dig into the situation. The more the better.
LEARN: What did you think or feel? Why did it happen this way?
EVALUATE: What caused the outcome?
CONSIDER: What could have been done differently?
TRIAL: What action plan will you create to ensure you respond differently?
This framework is used by myself, clients and thousands of others to bring more clarity in their life with the goal of finding purpose and significance.
The big thing to remember is your distractions will kill you. They will do everything in their power to keep your mind busy. They want to keep you safe and safe leads to an average life.
And we both know, you're not average. You're reading this for a reason. Your life has an assignment. I know it and you know it.
That's why I am here. My assignment is guiding you to become the champion you were created to be. Your purpose and significance is linked to your reflection.
I challenge you to the following:
Spend 20-30 minutes a day reflecting.
Get a journal and write it all out.
Eliminate your phone.
Find a quiet place.
Treat this time as if your life depended on it.
Do this for 30 days and tell me how you have transformed.
I'm rooting for you.
If you're ready to destroy fear and frustration so you can have clarity and significance, hit me up. Time to get serious with your life. Book a call
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