When our minds are so full of stormy chaos, how can we best walk through this into calm and clarity? This we do by stepping away from the drama!

Why is it that we so easily get caught up in the mayhem and confusion during times that are stressful.  We have decisions to make, dilemma’s to solve and also with each day so there is a rather large task list to contend with.  So it seems.  Even recently, I met with a young person who was dealing with the intensity of interviews for various jobs.  And then was offered one.  There was the anxiety of knowing that it was not exactly the right work for him in the long term, despite the temptations of the possibilities of being a part of a terrific company and great team.  If he declined this job, would he be offered another one again anytime soon?  If he said yes to this job, how would he dedicate himself to the role knowing that he would always  be looking over his shoulder incase something better suited came up?  These flusters over dilemma’s makes it very difficult to see the ‘wood from the trees’.  The confusions and what if’s just never quietening down. 

So, we spoke about “… leveraging the power of objectivity”. This means stepping out of your emotional self and seeing a conundrum from a calm perspective – a perspective wherein you can see a simple and productive way forward.  And how do you do this?

Think of somebody that you hold in high esteem.  You do not have to know that person at all.  For me, it is Christine Lagarde, a few friends talk about their ‘inner’ Nelson Mandela.   For you it might be a family member, a celebrity or an author.  And, when in a dilemma, just ask yourself the question: 

How would ……. respond?  

What would …… do in this scenario?  

What action would ….. start taking if in this situation?.

Keep asking the questions, being curious as to how that other person might well respond.

I hope that in using this tool, you will trigger a boldness in your actions, you will tap into courage and find yourself being creative in your decisions and responses to the dilemma’s that you are facing.  Above all, I hope that this tool will help you to just become unstuck.  

I do hope that the rest of this week goes well for you and that you are able to manage with calmness all that you need to.  Well done.