Flying high over the Alaskan tundra in a four-seater plane led to one of the most jaw dropping experiences of my life. It was midnight and I was in a bunkhouse with only two beds and a wall heater. Midnight struck at the same time nature called, which was unfortunate because my bunkhouse was yards away from the main lodge and the bathrooms.
I was literally not a happy camper as I checked the outside temperature (Eighteen degrees. Did I mention I’m from Arizona?) and grudgingly pulled on boots, hat, gloves and coat to make the trek in the dark.
When I opened the door, I was met with the most unexpected sight; the Northern Lights dancing in all their green and yellow splendor above the hilltops. I stood breathless with tears rolling down my face, experiencing something I’d only dreamed of until that point. I was also keenly aware that the glorious moment had appeared naturally and without fuss and that I was only able to witness it because of my decision to try something new and just this side of my personal terror zone.
I often think of this experience and use it as motivation when I’m working very hard to build new skills, to do new things that require willingness to fail, to be OK with being afraid and just give it a try. I’ve had to be conscious all the time in order to be self-aware, the first step toward making meaningful change in one’s focus as a leader.
In my experience as a coach, I’ve found that as one continues to develop skills and do things that are outside the comfort zone, a great thing happens. At some point it crosses over from being deliberate to being second nature.
You begin to naturally operate from a mindful place where you can access the Growth Gears to develop and execute strategies that will grow your organization. Settling into this groove is critical because now you are less distracted by the fear of getting out on the edge, which allows you to stand comfortably on that edge, take in the wide view and lead from a place of insight. Adding agility to that view makes you a more nimble, effective leader who is poised to empower teams and individuals.
Will you still occasionally balk when asked to try something new? Likely.
Will every attempt be a total success? Probably not.
But conscious competence is the hard work and the reward is when it all comes together. Your “Northern Lights Moment” will have a music all its own and you’ll find that growth is a beautiful thing.
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