Without the ability to end things, people stay stuck, never becoming who they are meant to be, never accomplishing all that their talents and abilities should afford them. ― Henry Cloud
When coaching or speaking about future success I often refer to “Here” and “There”. Part of my message is this simple reminder: what got you “Here” won’t get you “There”.
My understanding of this principle has continued to grow. Today, it is expanded to these three statements:
What got you “Here” will not get you “There”.
While “Here” is to be celebrated, “There” is greater still.
To get “There” something must end or you’ll be stuck “Here”.
What’s your story?
Think of an area where you are successful. It could be a relationship, your family or marriage, your health or fitness; financial, your career or business growth…your leadership development or spiritual growth.
What’s your response?
Today, I celebrate … >>> name your accomplishment <<<
With this in mind, reflect on these questions:
- How did I get “Here”, what did I do to achieve this?
- What skills did I develop? Training? Change? Sacrifice? Education?
- Who helped me get “Here”?
- When did I stop to celebrate?
- Or when will I celebrate my accomplishment?
What do you want now?
This reflective exercise will require you to create some space to think.
When you think of “There”, what does that sound like? What does your next level look like?
Now, using present tense language, write a narrative describing “There”. It can be a week, month or five years from today; …it’s your story!
Give careful thought to these two questions:
- What will have to come to an end?
- What will you need to stop doing to get “there”?
The ancient author writes in Ecclesiastes about the natural ending of one thing to begin another:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. (NIV)
Sometimes, moving forward requires we end something that has us stuck.
What do you need to end to move forward?
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Photo credit ncanup
This is an awesome idea. I do have a question though. Are the things that you end to get “there” always maladaptive or things that hinder you? Could something that you love and something that your good at be a hinderence to getting “there”?
Great point, Will
As we listen to our story, cultivate our potential, grow as individuals, and then, have a strong desire to contribute – being human – more and more opportunities “open up”. Could this be why The Power of Purpose (Why?) is important; shaping mission and vision?
Thanks for engaging the thought!
Steve