When every physical and mental resource is focused, one’s power to solve a problem multiplies tremendously.
– Norman Vincent Peale
It was a warm summer morning as Rita and I sat on the patio near our Kio pond. This significant water feature includes a 12 foot stream spilling over a 4 foot water fall into a large pond; the movement and “music” of the water are relaxing and enjoyable.
Our Japanese Kio fish are colorful and personable, it’s fun to feed them and watch them glide “effortlessly” through the water. The pink and yellow water lilies deliver amazing blooms that only last a day or two.
Of course, the large bull frog and occasion box turtle visitors, along with the regulars – squirrels, raccoon, and birds create an entertaining backyard retreat.
This particular morning I notice an unusual number of dragonflies working the yard. The longer the air show went on the more I wondered what was going on. With iPhone in hand, it was time to Google.
The link I selected took me to an article that began:
You see them in your yard, in the woods, and in fields. They come in a variety of beautiful colors. But what do you really know about the dragonflies that share our world?
Brandon Cornett’s article goes on to provide 21 interesting facts. Here are a few of my favorites:
You often see dragonflies near bodies of water, because they lay their eggs on or near the water.
Dragonflies are not born with wings.
Dragonflies spend most of their lives in the larva stage (up to three years, depending on the species). The adult, winged stage only lasts a few weeks. Mating is the primary reason for their winged stage. So when you see a winged dragonfly, you know it’s toward the end of its lifespan.
Male dragonflies can be very territorial, staking claim to a particular area alongside a pond or stream. When you see two adults chasing each other through the air, it is often one male chasing another from its territory.
Dragonflies can be useful in controlling mosquito populations…one of their primary food sources!
As far as insects go, dragonflies are among the fastest. Some…can fly upward of 30 miles per hour. Their four wings also allow them to move sideways, backward, to hover in place, etc. And they can do all of these movements quickly and accurately, which makes them well suited to eat other insects right out of the air
When I tapped into my resources I gained knowledge, insight, appreciation and a greater experience.
Leadership Development
There are just two key words in the phrase “leadership development”.
Leadership which has to do with our ability to lead, guide, direct, or influence people.
Development speaks to a process of changing, becoming stronger, more successful as a person, or causing somebody to change in such a way.
As an executive coach, I see leadership development as engaging in the process of change in order to expand one’s personal influence as a leader. Changing Behavior; Growing One’s Influence.
Create Space
A personal development principle I coach around involves Creating Space. When we create space for consistent reflection our influence will increase.
What do I mean, “Creating Space”?
It is the disciplined use of time, place, and resources to listen for truth found in your story.
What happens when we learn to create space for reflection?
- We can listen for the truth found in our story; messages coming from feedback, experience, success, and failure
- We can begin to see the people (Imagine the plate spinning act; to see people requires we lower our gaze)
- We can renew our energy
- We can acknowledge areas where our behavior is getting in our way
- Then, we can improve our performance and,
- Have a positive impact on life, relationships, work
What a nice return for the disciplined use of time and place to tap into the resource of our story, wouldn’t you say?
The Conspiracy of Time
Here is where the war is being waged against what supports future success (consistent reflection); what is it? “I’m so … busy!” And it is true, we are busy. This is why by definition “creating space” is the disciplined use of time, place and resources.
When will you make time for consistent reflection? More often than not, we’ll create space when the pain is greater than the resistance.
Tapping into my resources that summer morning I gained knowledge, insight, appreciation and a greater experience. Those same benefits are available as we tap into our story looking for truth; then, we can change behavior and grow our influence … a greater life experience!
How well are you tapping into your resources?
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