10 Truths and 1 Why
And why a binary choice is never really a binary choice
A fun thing about having been coaching for a while is you start to notice patterns. You might get six clients one after another with the same challenge and then not see the same thing again for another year.
There’s a pattern I’m seeing a lot at the moment. I call it the binary choice phenomenon
Option A looks like this and Option B looks like that, but I’m driving myself CRAZY because I CAN’T DECIDE!'
When I hear this question, I know it’s going to be an exciting session.
You see to my client, it feels as though this is about making a binary choice.
What they soon discover is the reason it’s so tough to make this decision is because it needs to be linked to a BIGGER WHY.
Do you have a BIGGER WHY?
Here are a few reasons to tap into yours:
Your BIGGER WHY is the thing that helps you find motivation and purpose.
Your BIGGER WHY is what makes you do those dull, menial tasks in order to help you move the needle.
Your BIGGER WHY is what makes you not just tolerate feedback but seek it out.
Since I’ve been coaching I’ve observed thousands of people tap into their BIGGER WHY, and I’ve also discovered my own. (More of that in a future letter). And one thing I’ve learned is there is no ‘one way’ to get there.
So I’ll share 12 patterns (I said 10 in the title but you get two as a bonus because its nearly Christmas) I’ve noticed and as you read, I invite you to let your mind wander and your thoughts run freely. Number 4 explains why.
A good question to ask if you’re seeking out your BIGGER WHY is:
What would you do if you won the lottery and never ‘needed’ to work again.
Once you’ve parked the Ferrari in the double garage and unpacked from the Bahamas… what would you do with the rest of your life?
This isn’t the answer, but it’s a clue to the answer.
When organisations and leaders tap into their peoples’ individual ‘BIGGER’ it’s a good thing for everyone.
Leaders who have a bigger why are better able to seek out the ‘BIGGERWHY’ in others.
Oh by the way, if we were playing ‘BIGGER WHY’ drinking bingo, how drunk would you be by now?
Let’s do more drinking (and thinking) about the BIGGER WHY! Look out for the next email in the series, we’ll be talking about the elements that play into it: eliciting and giving feedback, nurturing relationships, evaluating your career and putting yourself first.
As ever, comments, thoughts, questions and experiences welcome in the comments.
Ps. I can’t wait to share with you my own BIGGER WHY…. Drink! Some time in the new year.
Prize if you can tell me which film that comes from. Clue, it goes with image number two, the question mark.
