MOVE: May 3, 2013

The Power of "Yet"

Did you ever have one of those days or weeks that clearly "pushed" you?  You know, that not-so-welcome feeling of being out of your comfort zone? The feeling of being backed into a corner by a situation?  Unless you've lived a very sheltered life, you probably have.  The better question is:  what was your response in that moment?  Did you see it as a threat and get defensive or as an opportunity to 

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 forward and learn?  Did you automatically try to find ways of "saving face" or did you think of it as a chance to grow?

 

These questions and how we all respond to them are at the very heart of achievement   Whether that means doing what it takes to control a health-risk or putting ourselves in good body-position when working to avoid injury, or hitting any other target in life, the question is often not "what should I do (or have done)?" - most everyone knows the answer to that; rather, the question more often is "what's stopping me from doing it?" which is much harder to tackle.  

 

Since a landmark paper in the mid 70's set this topic on fire, researchers have been trying to pry into the minds of people just like you and me to understand and influence these questions and our responses.  Although there is no single clear answer that works every time, there have been a few concepts that so consistently predict future success that anyone who wants to get the pay off for energy invested really must know and take advantage of......and although there is WAY too much to put into one communication, a great starting point that became clear after doing some research on the topic is the power of the word "YET".

 

"YET" doesn't seem like such a powerful word does it?  Only three letters. But it can be one of the most powerful words we have because it can help each of us go from not having everything we want which seems so negative, to finding ways to improve our situation enough to get there.....to do the hard work of growing - which is immensely positive.  "Yet" is the bridge between the here and now (our behaviors and actions) no matter how difficult the situation may seem and our future success.  It lets us keep moving on the path forward rather than get stuck in the quicksand of today's problem.

 

This is not to say we shouldn't focus on today.  Being mindful and "present" has huge positive impacts on us.  However the research clearly shows that those who use the here and now of today to actively seek-out challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, are far more likely to reach their goals regardless of how bad the situation might presently seem.  The difference between "I can't do this" and "I can't do this.....yet" - is tremendous.  We can learn from every challenge.  We can grow if we're willing to do the work......and when we grow (enough), we reach our goals, no matter how lofty they might seem today.  

 

Maybe the sarcastic quote which is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson (amongst others) had it right: "I'm a great believer in luck, I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." 

 

To those who are already moving forward - KEEP FINDING CHALLENGES.  To those who are hitting the inevitable blockades, keep ENDURING, keep working to solve the puzzle.  To those who are ready to step out of their comfort zone, let us know if you need help.  To those not ready YET, we'll be here when you are.

 

Now go do something extraordinary,

Mike Eisenhart, PT

Managing Partner, Pro-Activity