by Nancy Birmbaum-Gerber

I periodically slip back into being unfocused, overloaded and overwhelmed. The paper piles begin to rise, my desk becomes cluttered, my e-mail in-box looms more full than usual. When I'm in this state of mind, my inner rebellious teenager reasserts herself and magnifies my already strong resistance to what I KNOW is best for me, but just don't "feel like" doing. I marinate in this stew of ineffectiveness, focusing on what I'm not able to accomplish.

Fortunately, I have some wise and honest coaches and mentors in my life. They help me to remember that if I want to be focused, organized, orderly and on top of things I simply need to begin taking those actions once again. I am not powerless and doomed to remain stuck in the quicksand; I can transform it into solid ground with every choice I make and every action I take. Firming up the foundations -- making sure my basic needs are being addressed -- helps me regain my footing.

In addition, to truly restore myself, I need to feed my soul. Music, nature, a good book, a hearty laugh, lots of hugs -- these are just as essential as reclaiming my decision power and shutting off my auto-pilot of helplessness. It's so easy to neglect these when I'm telling myself the saga of my continuing "struggles".

The simple truth, often repeated here and elsewhere, is that I am what I do - - and DON'T do. If I dislike my results, I have the power to immediately transform them. It's fascinating how often I forget this, and how far off track I sometimes wander before I remember it once again. I do indeed continually resist and reject what is best for me. The trick is to catch myself sooner, rather than indulging in the familiar comfort of excuses and self-pity.

Copyright 2005 by Nancy Birmbaum-Gerber. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Nancy Gerber, Professional Certified Coach and President of Stepping Stones can be reached at http://www.sstones.com.

What reminds you who you are? How can you help yourself remember sooner?

November 15, 2005
Accomplishing Goals that Truly Matter at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

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