Intimacy Lost
Send Out Card reps, be prepared – I’m going to stir up the pot.
Yesterday, I received this in an email – it’s the third such email I’ve received in two weeks:
“Hi Preston – I just got your card in the mail and thank you so much! What a personal way of connecting.”
You’ve got to be kidding. I’m not sure which is more disconcerting: a) that someone acknowledged a hand-written note with an email, or b) that many of these comments have come from people who are in the same business as me – a business whose foundation is built on intimacy.
In a culture that increasingly promotes “efficiency”, we are rapidly losing touch with intimacy. You know, that close, familiar, and caring relationship we have with people.
As a technology consultant or professional, you understand the benefit of being more efficient – who wouldn’t want to move through one task more quickly to get to another you’re more interested in? Plus, you’re perfectly positioned to help folks leverage technology to be more efficient.
The fear is so BIG
A colleague of mine shared a very interesting perspective with me today. She said, “Sometimes I’m so paralyzed by the fear, it seems like there’s no way around it.” Man, did I ever get it.
How many times have we been in a situation with no visible escape hatch from the fear? You try to run and hide, but the fear is so BIG it’s already moved into your favorite and reliable hiding place. Crud.
This is an exhausting game I play… the one called “try to dodge my fear.” Working lots of hours, waking up in the middle of the night, worrying about being worried – these are just several expressions of running away from it.
Then my colleague said, “I’ve gotten exhausted too Preston. But I’ve come up with something that seems to help. Rather than try to avoid the fear, I’ve made up a game called ‘Making a game of failing’.”
Friday Challenge
What risks have you taken today? Friday is an easy day to coast.
What’s possible if you finished out your week with a few risky actions? You know, calling that scary prospect; having that important conversation; making a bold promise for next week.
Stop waiting not to fail. You might just produce something you’ve been hoping to produce.
Have a great weekend,
-Coach Preston
