Cowards love procrastination.
Aspiring authors would kill for the opportunities that come my way. But, I’ve procrastinated on writing a book for three years. I’m afraid of it.
Fear blocks possibility.
Readers can’t understand how I’m able to write every day but can’t bring myself to write a book. Surprising isn’t it?
My attitude about writing books shifted last Wednesday during a video conference with, Alf, a V.P. of a Canadian company.
Background:
I’m fortunate to work with organizations to help develop their coaching culture. On two occasions, I invited my friend Alf to video conference in to share his companies three year journey into creating a coaching culture for a division of their national organization.
During those video conferences, I ask Alf to do a coaching demo. I’m the guinea pig. The fateful moment began when I said, “Coach me through being stuck on writing a book.”
Fireworks:
Simple observations provide profound impact.
Fireworks exploded when Alf asked, “What if you wrote a book for yourself?” I write for myself everyday! But, I’d put writing books in a separate category.
Breakthroughs require new ways of thinking.
Our conversation ended with a two week deadline for writing an outline for a book.
7 ways to create breakthroughs:
- Share where you’re stuck. Progress requires vulnerability. Don’t fake it until you make it.
- Clarify aspirations. Define the win in short-term and long-term language.
- Connect current competencies to new challenges. How might the things you’re already doing find broader expression? I’m able to write a book for myself.
- Adjust the story you tell yourself. The flipping of a switch is often the result of a new story that illuminates new perspective.
- Create a simple, short-term goal that includes accountability.
- Receive help. Self-reliance is foundational. Help from others is exponential. Do things that require help.
- Accept that new behaviors feel awkward, sometimes fake.
What prevents breakthroughs?
How might leaders facilitate breakthroughs for others?