Hi ,

Often, we have an unconscious schema in our minds that we use to evaluate our progress. It typically involves hard work, hours versus minutes of engagement, and feeling like it’s effortful rather than done with ease. And there’s also a quantity of some sort that is involved (eg. 6 items on a checklist). If any one of these are not met, we come away concluding that we failed or barely made any progress. Or perhaps even worse, that We are failures.

An example of this occurred with my coaching client who is quite accomplished and is contracted with a major publisher to write a book – a life dream of hers! She matter of factly declared that the 25,000 words she had written over the summer didn’t count at all. And that she was a failure on some level.

She believed this because how she wrote it went against the schema above. Instead of sitting for hours and feeling like she was struggling to write – she wrote it while dictating it on her morning nature walk, or during 15 minutes of inspiration while dealing with summer chores and family responsibilities. It felt easy and natural overall, with moments of deep fulfillment and even joy. We explored her limiting narrative and after a few sessions, she had a wonderful breakthrough, and is confidently on her way to completing her first draft.😀 She now feels excitement rather than anxiety and failure when thinking about her book and progress overall.

I reflected on where this schema originated, and on how deeply woven it is into our concept of work and progress. Who said that our work has to feel hard, and that it requires us to focus on it for hours at a time – rather than in shorter increments? And that it needs to happen at a desk or office, rather than while waiting in a car, at a cafe, or even on a walk at the beach. Extraordinary things happen when our brain gets to rest!

Some Ways to Embrace Nonlinear Progress:

Notice how you currently work – and if you also have a schema with any of the above factors influencing you. Then bring increased attention to any judgements you may have as to what the “correct” way or environment is for working. Give your Self permission to release those judgements and see what positive shifts may come.

Imagine the possibility of progress happening with ease, a side-step or two 😀 and even some joy. Where are you now, on a scale of 1-10 (10 much ease) related to your work? What would it look like if you went from a 5 to a 6 over the next few weeks?

This week, consider conducting a fun experiment and let your Self do some of your work or related projects in short increments and/or in inspired spurts. How does it feel to be engaged for shorter periods and when you feel inspired? What are some of the results? I wouldn't be surprised if you experience some impressive momentum this way! 

Get in touch at dr.gionta@gmail.com if you would like support and valuable strategies in making great strides in your work and life. We can talk further and explore whether working together at this time would be helpful.

Have fun experimenting!
Dr. Dana