What would this look like if it were easy?
We’ve all been there…we set a goal or aspiration that excites us but is a bit of a reach. One that we know will move us forward towards an exciting future. We’re ready to go.
But it’s daunting. Overwhelming, if we’re really being honest. How in the world am I going to do THAT, you ask yourself? And perhaps you set that aspiration aside for another day, too overwhelmed to take it on right now.
A few years back, while reading Tim Ferriss’s bestselling book Tribe of Mentors, I ran across a simple question that has made a huge difference every time I’m overwhelmed.
“What would this look like if it were easy?”
Wow, that’s a powerful question.
So often, we find ourselves making things harder than they need to be, especially to start. To get unstuck, here are a few ways to think about how to make something easy.
Approach it like a child
Kids are amazing at finding the simple explanation to almost anything. My 9-year-old nephew is a master at this. “So Auntie, all I need to do is build a slingshot out of legos and I can take down the monster.”
What would a child say about how to achieve your aspirational goal?
Explain it at a family meal
Your family wants to be supportive, but likely doesn’t have context for why your goal feels so daunting. Imagine talking to a friend or relative who works in another industry about your plans.
How would you share your plans over a family dinner?
Imaging you’re creating an infomercial
You know the kind…the magic solution to the problem you didn’t even know you had. They’re great at simplifying the problem and the solution.
How would you sell your approach on an infomercial?
So now, armed with this powerful question, let’s come back to that aspiration that feels overwhelming. Take a step back, consider one of these perspectives, and ask yourself…
What would this look like if it were easy?
June 20, 2024
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About the author:
Christina Von Stroh is a leadership coach who helps her clients become wildly successful by applying iterative software development practices to achieve their dreams. Want to work with Christina to help you iterate towards the person you’re becoming?
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