A frequent question I ask during coaching sessions is ‘What did you differently this week?’
This is often in response to a positive change, it is important for the individual to identify the change that they made to their usual routine, habit or behaviour that resulted in a different outcome.
We are naturally creatures of habit. We tend to repeat the same behaviour or activity and therefore receive the same outcomes.
This is great if we are happy with the outcome and how things are going.
But what if we aren’t?
If you aren’t happy with the way things are going then ask yourself
“what do you need to differently to get a different outcome”?
This doesn’t have to be a huge change. A small change can be enough to change the direction.
Think of yourself like a large ship. If you wanted to change direction or ‘alter course’ you would make a small change to the course you are on.
The speed at which the direction can change will depend on a number of factors, the same is for humans, but even a small change can turn the ship.
I know very little about ships, even less about Physics, but what I do know is that a deliberate change has to be made to change the rudders and keel and therefore change the ships direction.
This is where the phrase ‘even keel’ comes from.
even keel (plural even keels)
(nautical) The situation in which a watercraft is floating or proceeding in a level and smooth manner.
(idiomatic, of emotions, etc.) The state or characteristic of being under control and balanced.
If you want something different, you must do something different.
A small change of direction but keeping you on an even keel.
If you continued at the same pace and in the same direction where will you be in a year?
-Zoe X