To Lean In or Ease Back?

“There are two kinds of people …”

You can say that about so many characteristics that distinguish us from one another … introverts/extraverts … savers/spenders … big picture thinkers/detail-oriented folks.

And then there are those who take the bull by the horns and charge ahead with everything they have … contrasted with … those who tend to hold back, are careful, deliberate, and less than completely committed.

Which brings me to my point.

Some people need to “lean in” more … to commit themselves more fully with more energy, more focused intention, more follow-through, and more overall dedication if they want to get what they say they want.

Others need to back off … to ease back and allow things to happen, to trust the process, and stop pushing the train.

One of the problems I see fairly consistently is that the folks who need to ease back don’t recognize it. They don’t see that scaling back just ten percent will give them more of what they want.

And while those who would benefit from leaning in may recognize it, they don’t necessarily DO anything about it … at least not consistently.

So, what kind of person are you?

Do you need to lean in or ease back?

Why do I ask?

Because so often your success in life depends on being able to do what runs somewhat counter to your nature.

Now, let’s be crystal clear. I’m not talking about trying to be someone you’re not … trying to force a square peg into a round hole. And I would never suggest doing things your heart and gut say no to. But who can’t use a little shift in their thinking and approach to things once in a while?

Who can’t benefit from becoming more flexible and trying new and different strategies?

As a coach, part of my job is to help you see that the way you’ve always approached things isn’t always the best way. Your default way of being will only crack certain nuts, getting you only so far, unable to have everything you want.

The all-in, hard-chargers may never experience real satisfaction, much less inner peace and contentment … unless they learn to relax a little more. Because there always seems to be more to worry about, more to make happen.

Those who fail to fully engage may never experience the rewards that come from having a clear intention and taking consistent, purposeful action. They may never feel the sense of accomplishment one gets from doing things all out and seeing important work through to the end … unless they simply play bigger.

They get caught in a trap. There’s always more to consider, more problems to avoid, more planning to be done before jumping in with both feet.

Here’s the bottom line: One set way of being and doing will yield predictable results … the same ones you’ve always gotten. If you’re happy with those results, great!

But most people aren’t entirely happy with the results they’ve been getting, so maybe a somewhat different mindset and approach are in order.

If so, what’ll it be? Do you need to up your game and take on more of the risks and challenges and demands that come along with leaning in … or do you need to demonstrate some faith in the process, ease back, and start letting things just happen more?

For me, the challenge has always been to stop pushing the train.

But what is it for you?

I’d like to hear what you’re thinking and feeling … and what would provide some balance and a new perspective for you.

Love,
Denise

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