Improving Performance

I recently stepped back into a classroom as a substitute teaching and I was quickly reminded why I find teaching in a classroom so challenging. Most of the little souls in the room do not want to learn french or do math. They do not aspire to some great career in the noisy and crowded grade eight classroom. They are going through life living out the shoulds being forced upon them by  society expectations. No wonder it is so challenging to get them to do the work. The work is not linked to something they desire. 

With the new year fast approaching, it is that time when many will consider resolutions for changes they wish to make in the upcoming year. Deciding what goals or resolutions to establish is in and of itself not as easy as it may sound. 

Wanting to eat a better diet may be the goal, but stating "I am eating healthier foods" is not very motivating when you are hungry and on your way home from a busy day and there is a fast food place you love on the route home. The way a goal is stated must inspire something much deeper and meaningful. 

If you consider those who have received a diagnosis that puts doubt on ones survival, the goals for health and wellbeing become all consuming and inspire their actions. The inspiration comes from a place of truth, uncrowded by all the should thinking or the fears of failure interfering talking over the things one really wants to do in life. 

Understanding what will inspire us to fulfill a goal is the first step in establishing a goal. 

How do you do that? Try the following activity.
Consider you are on death's door. You know you have limited time to fulfill your destiny here on the planet earth. Then ask yourself the following questions:

• What is an accomplishment that gives you a sense or pride or purpose with it's completion?
• What is a memory of a time when you felt a true sense of fulfillment?
• Describe a time when you served yourself or others in such a way that you felt great sense of generosity.
• What is the example of living, working, being that you want to be most remembered for?

Get out your notebook and pen or your iPad and Apple pencil and write. Free write. Do not overthink. Do not try to take care of anyone else or ensure that they will be okay with what you need to do. Imagine you have all the freedom, finances and physical ability to do whatever it is that is the desire you wish to fulfill.

After free writing for at least one page per question. Read back through the notes and highlight anything that stood out.

Some folks find it most telling to write a poem about a memory sparked by one of the above statements. 

Some folks find it helpful to jot notes, then tell someone else about the experience, however, as you tell them make it not possible for you to hear them or see them, or sense them in anyway. For example, get on a call with them, but turn off the camera and mute them as you describe the memory. Try to explain the experience and how you acted, how you felt, how you experienced the events which led to the sense of meaning, fulfillment. 

It can sometimes take time to let the memory percolate and for the fullness of the memory to come alive. Be patient and relaxed as you write, as you tell the story.
Check back for the next step in this process. If you want more guidance and cannot wait, checkout Rod Stryker's, The Four Desires Workbook.