Here are a few quotes to start this week’s blog:
The only constant in this world is change;
When a door closes, somewhere a window opens; and finally,
When the student is ready, the teacher appears.
To continue the vein of last week’s blog, the spiraling chaos we are experiencing here in the US is our teacher. Let me explain.
Last week I wrote about how the spiraling chaos is a reflection of the out-of-balance nature of our government and our society: the self-serving Legislative and Executive branches of government. I also pointed to racial tensions in our country (and around the world) and the protests and counter-protests that have taken place as a result. I closed the blog by talking about how searching for truth can help with clarity and self-confidence as one discerns how best to navigate these chaotic times.
The Next Step. Searching for Truth is just the first step. The next step that will bring even more confidence and add momentum to your current journey is recognizing that this massive change we are experiencing – this chaos – is a very positive sign.
Which student learns more when building a birdhouse: the one who is given a clear design with step-by-step instructions and pre-cut pieces of wood; or the student who is given is given one large piece of wood and a pencil and paper with which to create a design? The latter, of course.
Think back on your own life. Did you experience great success when you had a cushy job that required very little of you? Or did you achieve success after facing and overcoming challenges?
Yes, the Field achieves maximum expansion when there is balance, but it is also aware that great growth (expansion) can occur when one is challenged. When there is significant change in our lives. Change is simply the next step in your path to greater expansion and greater success.
Our Collective Assignment. I could have added “Change is opportunity,” to the list of quotes above, but besides being an overused cliché, the reality is a more concrete concept. When we intentionally align our efforts with the goals of the Field – that is, when we focus on expansion and balance – the Field recognizes that we are ready for greater growth, and it will collaborate to present high-growth situations. In other words, it presents us with change. This could be a positive change, or it could be a challenge or an obstacle – likely something that will help us develop a skill that will ultimately be useful in getting to that next level of success.
The spiraling chaos we are experiencing is indeed a sign that things are way out of balance, but it is also a sign that we are ready to face that chaos. That we are ready to learn, to take the next step, and to grow into a better and stronger country. We simply need to recognize the collective assignment that has been placed before us, then we can each take our own small steps to create a new solution. When the student is ready, the teacher appears.
Wishing you an invigorating journey as you take your next steps!
To read more about what focusing on Expansion and Balance look like in the workplace, checkout my book, Leverage the Field for Success.
Photo Credit: Free photo 8107888 © Frenc – Dreamstime.com