Dear Reader,

You might want to have a version of Paul Simon’s “Slip Slidin’ Away” playing along as you read this - because that’s pretty much how I was for a big part of last week (and here’s a handy link to that song).

Just when you think you might have this personal development stuff sown-up, along come some old habits to ambush you from behind!
The pattern for me usually goes something like this:

• going well, feeling pretty sorted
• take on all kinds of interesting initiatives without checking my overall balance
• get over-stretched
• start blaming others for not pulling their weight
• wake-up, try again.

At least it happens less and less now, as I more often remember to keep balanced.

And how’s your own personal development going?

I came across the following “Levels of Personal Development” some time ago, and it was one of the things that helped me spot how slip-slidin-away I was being last week:

Level 1
Can only see issues from their own perspective. Wants a quick solution to problems.Thinks they’ve already got solutions. Into blaming: “it’s all their fault “or “it’s all my fault”;
Level 2
Can see and work with issues from their own and other’s perspectives. Considers problems from multiple perspectives to inform action plans.
Level 3
Sees self as a part of any issue and a part of the solution. Feels empowered. Takes personal responsibility. Level 3 adds to and includes level 2.
Level 4
Wants to develop personally so they can have greater impact on relevant issues. Level 4 adds to and includes levels 2 & 3.

Maybe I’ll have some Level 4 this week, for a change… how about you?

If you would like to share your thoughts on your own slip slidin’ away or your own level of personal development, please scroll down and leave a comment.

With best regards,

Executive Life Coaching for smart, motivated people.

Dear Reader,

I hope your new year has been going well so far.
And I’m curious to know how much thought and intention you might have given to what kind of year you want to have in 2008…?

Waking up early one day a couple of weeks ago I suddenly realised, without really knowing what it meant, that I wanted 2008 to be my “Year of Living Dangerously“.

Having kicked that one around for a while, I now know that “Living Dangerously” for me is about choosing to do the things that hold the most fear for me - in particular, those where I’m at risk of being rejected, of failing, of looking stupid or of getting hurt (emotionally and physically).

And so far, so good.
“Living Dangerously” has had me: taking big risks in an important presentation; could have fallen on my face, but instead managed to inspire people; asking for the business in situations where I might previously have shied away from the opportunity (50% success rate so far); and suggesting more marital sex when I’d gotten into the habit of not wanting to risk rejection (slightly higher success rate so far!).

Next, I think that “Living Dangerously” will have me getting through the discomfort barrier about getting fitter. And slightly longer-term, I have some business ideas that I now feel ready to try.

How about you? What do you want your 2008 to be about?

If you would like to share your thoughts on your own 2008, please scroll down and leave a comment.

With best wishes,

Executive Life Coaching for smart, motivated people.