Last week I had an impromptu coaching session with Elke Rößler. Having accepted an Advisory Board Member role with a US based health care start up and keen to find a meaningful way to give back to society at large via volunteering, I wanted to use the coaching conversation to talk about how to integrate this in my existing work and life.
After some careful listening, Elke offered one of her “impulses”, and introduced the notion of a backpack, which I found really helpful. Interesting how sometimes a different metaphor – I normally refer to them as “buckets”- can help create a shift in perspective.
When you feel highly stimulated or energized by the work you do and choices you are making it can be alluring to dive deeper and think bigger all the time. But sometimes it’s the exact opposite that does wonders. It’s about pacing yourself. About being selective with your goals and the tasks that get you there.
Imagine we are all carrying around a metaphorical backpack in life. As our lives take their course we make decisions along the way that shape us and change the requirements of our daily input. New choices become available which may change our plans and lives. Sometimes a stressful event can occur which makes it necessary to shift focus towards the challenge at hand, and let go of other things. While there might be other moments where we are overwhelmed with exciting business opportunities and prospects, in which case we need to narrow down our focus towards the things that really matter, or the goals we value most.
I was reminded of the saying: “You can do anything, but not everything”. Just because now isn’t the right time for something, doesn’t mean that you won’t find your way back to it in the future or may discover something else instead that gives you an even stronger sense of purpose. With new insights you might decide to change your plan, and adjust your goals, realizing that there is joy in learning and not everything needs to be perfect all the time.
Frequent reflection on where you stand, what gives you purpose, how much of a work-load you can take on, and what is and what isn’t realistic can make your goals much more achievable, and as a result you will be much more motivated to attain them, excel in the skill, or simply be enthusiastic to keep learning.
The key lies in the power of “simplify and amplify” as Dr. Michael Gerharz puts it.
Dear Elke thank you for your precious time and the gift of “impulse”.
