The In-between Dilemma
By Susan D. Rostkoski, Principal Consultant
I don’t know about you, but I often find myself straddling a line between what is fading from my life and what seems destined to enter it. My simplest example is that of keeping track of my contacts. I have a voluminous list on my cell phone, some of which includes information such as birthdays, notes about our last meeting, or connections to others in my contact list. The advantage of having that information immediately available is evident. But I also still have an old school Rolodex for business cards, a filing system which comes in handy –well, wait a minute. Maybe it’s not handy any more except as a reminder of long-gone acquaintances, businesses that have ceased to exist, and the number of people I have lost touch with in a relatively short time.
This small example seems like a metaphor for what happens as our lives have gotten more complex, systems come and go exponentially, and new tools require new learning. Sometimes we are reluctant to let go of a situation, person, or opinion because it is comfortable to stay where we are. Other times we jump at the newest technology or outlook because it energizes us and helps us avoid looking at what we really want or need in our lives. Often, we hesitate between the options we’re offered and someone or something makes the decision for us.
Herewith are some questions for you to assess your own situation:
Am I spending too much time and energy on duplicative but not identical systems?
Can redundancy be a good thing in case of an incident, major (losing my cell phone) or minor (I forgot to take the hamburger out of the freezer and now must rely on the packaged items in my cupboard)?
Who knows me well enough to be honest about what they see in me in this regard?
Does being “in between” serve a purpose?
How does my work environment encourage or discourage recognition of these intervals?
Do the people around me enhance or impede my progress and well-being during these times?
What attributes have I contributed to help others define and address their “space between/among” options?
Robb Hiller, a nationally recognized consultant in the field of executive coaching, proposes using what he calls “The Power of 3”: Ask the right questions. Activate your gifts and talents. Invite advocates into your life. It’s a powerful way to proceed when direction is difficult to find. It keeps you in a learning mode. It opens possibilities that may be right on your doorstep.
May you make the most of the time you are given.
As always, please contact us if we can help you accomplish your mission (www.strategic-cc.com).