Stretch Yourself to Reach Those Goals!
I recently started
taking yoga classes at my gym - it's a Tuesday and Thursday early
morning endeavor. Kind of unnerving when walking into a class of
older women (and by older, I mean older than me) who have had this
yoga cult-like bond thing for years. Morning ladies! I thought yoga
was about getting in touch with your inner being while stretching
and relaxing to a place of peace and balance - something like that.
But it ain't, not really. At the bark of every - up dog, cobra,
camel, bridge, wheel - command by the instructor, you're expected to
synchronize your pose with those in the class. Of course, this is
after you interpret the lingo and sneak a peak at your fellow yogis
in the mirror - those that actually know what they're doing. The
result is lame attempts at throwing your body into the most awkward
and compromising contortions (called postures or poses) imaginable.
Sound like fun? It takes a lot of guts and determination to hang in
there - especially if you're new.
Much to my surprise - I like it. I like it a lot. Why? Every time
I go to another class, I can stretch (yes, physically stretch)
further, faster, and with much less effort. I may have even earned
some respect from my fellow yogis - although that might be pushing
it. The best thing is that I find myself working that much harder at
stretching myself a bit further in sports, martial arts,
relationships, and yes - even work. How about that!
Now, I know this is a stretch (pun intended), but I think many of
the philosophies of yoga apply to what we do (or try to do) as sales
professionals, business owners, and managers. Here are just a few.
Enjoy the exciting journey, not the destination.
If you
don't enjoy what you're doing today, you'll have a hard time getting
there tomorrow. You may not even show up tomorrow. Quit now and do
something else.
Only you can know your boundaries - challenge yourself to
expand.
Establish your limits each week, month, quarter, and
year as to what's possible - but just barely possible. Really push
yourself, but within reason. Now create the steps necessary to get
there. As you take each step, you will see how what was once just
barely possible is now very possible. Even probable! Don't just sit
there. Do it now.
Don't be afraid to try something new.
You'll almost
never learn more and perform better at anything if you don't
challenge yourself to try something new - new interests, activities,
associations, people, techniques, and adventures. Give it a try. You
can always go back - the tough part is moving forward.
You must fall first to overcome your fears.
Whether
it's a yoga posture, sales meeting, or presentation, if you don't
push yourself to failure (or falling down), you'll never get closer
to success or overcoming your fears. What postures do you need to
try to get closer to success?
Use your mind to persevere through the body.
Often by
telling yourself you can, - you can. We absolutely don't do this
enough. Of course, if you tell yourself you can't, you're right!
Karma - dedicate each session to someone that's a positive
influence.
This is big in yoga - beginning and ending each
session with positive thoughts. Ironically, I've been doing this for
years in my speaking. Before every seminar, workshop, or keynote I
deliver, I dedicate it (not verbally) to someone in my life that
made it possible for me to do the work that I do. Who are the
mentors, advocates, and supporters in your life?
The philosophies yoga embraces integrates emotion, action, and
intelligence to every pose and posture. Challenge yourself to
integrate them in the areas of your life that need it the most. I
know it's a stretch. Down dog!
Next Week: Networking: The Magic Word
If
you have questions, we have answers! Ask us anything about sales,
service, leadership, management, communication, public speaking, and
networking.
Warm regards,
Michael Goldberg
Building Blocks Consulting
