Getting Unstuck
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a whirlwind? What about finding yourself in the middle of a long dry spell where nothing seems to be happening?
I think it is two sides of the same coin.
Recently I was feeling a little stuck in my own business. I have this great plan, and can see it all mapped out. And yet, I wasn’t taking some of the action that was there to take, and in other areas I didn’t even know what actions to take.
We have all heard the quote about the definition of insanity: doing the same things over and over and expecting a different result. Well, that’s where I was.
Here’s just one example: I have been told to send out press releases about different things in my business and I haven’t done any of that. As a child I was told that I shouldn’t brag.
What do they have to do with each other? Well, if you have grown up believing that bragging isn’t good, then sending out press releases becomes impossible.
Have to send out press releases – that’s good for business. But the 5 year old thinks it is bragging – and that’s bad.
Such a trap! There is no way out of that one. Until…
Until I can recognize that I am not the 5 year old, and I am not bragging. The context is decisive! Once I saw that, really saw that, I was freed up to take the actions on my plan. Not only that, but there is a flood of new actions that weren’t there before.
Where are you being stopped by your 5 year old self?
Shameless plug: I am re-running my Productivity Basics teleclasses in August. There will be two session on developing a schedule that works, one session on planning, and one session on taking control of your email. Details are available at http://www.timetriage.com/events.asp.
In the meantime, have a great summer – but remember – you are calling the shots – not the 5 year old!
(c) 2010, Terry Monaghan
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Terry,
Thank you so much for your witty and thought-provoking post! I was able to calm the mind of the “5 year old” once I shifted from bragging to honouring my path and sharing my divine gifts..in other words,”who am I not to share?” From the perspective, press releases, launching new programs, and so on are easy-breezy…:)
Much love,
Jennifer
The plan is one piece, but aligning all the inner energies to that plan creates inspired action.
I’ve noticed if I am procrastinating it is because some aspect of me is not aligned with the plan (yet!)
Terry,
Oh, this is soooo common. The 5 year old needs to be loved and nurtured and told she has every right to celebrate her accomplishments. Plus, if you don’t tell the world what you’re doing, how will they know how you can help them? It’s all about sharing our gifts with the world so we can in turn help more people.
Write on!~
Lisa
Love that you can see your very own stuck places, and gently coach yourself to move on. Wisdom! You rock.
Sue Painter
Terry,
Your story is one shared by so many. Thanks for bringing it up for everyone to recognize they are not alone.
Mitch
Terry,
I have always been an advocate of ‘toot your own horn’. If you don’t, no one else may. Thanks for the great post!
Kiyla Fenell
http://www.ultimatestaffingsystem.com
If business owners are too timid to market and promote what they offer, they will soon find themselves out of business. Thanks Terry.
Dr. Robert Fenell
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Great, thought-provoking post, Terry! I agree with what Laura said, too! XO, Katherine.
Terry – Thanks for sharing this story. This is definitely something I see regularly even with with hugely successful entrepreneurs…some variation of the “don’t boast, don’t brag, don’t toot your own horn, don’t be too flashy message”…
Allow me to offer a different perspective…
If you believe in what you do or teach, that it helps people, improves their lives and empowers them to take their business to the next level, then you are being incredibly SELFISH by not sharing your gift with as many people as possible…because if they don’t know about the great money-saving, time-saving, productivity-enhancing and balance-bringing systems you have developed, they will continue to suffer!
My personal gremlin in this arena is more the impostor/”who am I to be this person” variety….
Best,
Phil
http://www.totalbusnesstransformation.com
Oh, Phil – I will have to do a post on the impostor (fraud police) many of us face. Thanks for the idea, and for the comments.
Terry
I wonder who encouraged the press releases? 🙂
So much of that 5 year old gunk surfacing as limiting beliefs.
Your post is great in that it makes people aware of this and it is only when we acknowledge something that we can change it.
Once a very wise person told me that the adult in us can give the litte one in us great love and protection if it doesn’t come from anyone else.
Just put yourself and your little inner child into a bubble through which only the energy of love and positive support and growth can penetrate.
Thanks for a super post Terry!
So much of he 5 year old gunk rearing up as limiting beliefs. Your article brings an awareness so people can acknowledge this. We can only change things which we acknowledge.
I was once told by a very wise person that our adult can love our little child. We can put both of us into a bubble through which only love and positive energy can penetrate.
Thanks for a great and honest post!
L
Hi, Terry –
I often have this problem of procrastination – but you’ve presented a great new way to look at it – that there is some reason underlying why I am not doing what needs to get done. I will spend some time uncovering these hidden saboteurs!
Thanks!
Wonderful Terry
I have to make a confession that I have been stuck with hate leftover of my old marriage. I have been trying everything to prevent outburst of anger and I caused myself harm by letting others know about my personal hate and anger that is still troubling me. I have learned from your message of love and am trying to integrate it in my life. You are a life saver.
Michelle Daneshrad, Esq.
Michelle, One step at a time. Be kind with yourself. Terry