Expansion and Contraction
March 2009
Expansion and Contraction
Societies, communities, organizations, and individuals all go through cycles of expansion and contraction. Sometimes life is easy and we are on a roll. Other times it's the opposite no matter how hard we try. As life goes up and down, we move back and forth between these two conditions again and again. What we are learning now, is that a time of economic expansion built on a shaky foundation results in an unusually painful period of contraction.
What can we do about these times of contraction? The first objective is awareness: that these cycles are inevitable and we don't need to take them personally. It's just life and we need to accept it as it happens.
Secondly, when we are in a state contraction - as a society, within an organization, or personally - we need to remember that our personal state can always be one of expansion. It begins on the inside, in our hearts and minds. Regardless of the outer circumstance we can choose our inner state of being. The key is to continuously ask yourself the question, "How is it true right now that I have everything I need to live an effective life of balance, regardless of the outer circumstances that seem to be saying that's not true?"
With this question you will begin to:
- Feel grateful for what you have.
- Realign your value proposition in the market with creativity.
- Serve your existing or remaining customers with your highest quality.
- Set goals you can accomplish.
- Conserve your resources and streamline your operations with thoughtfulness.
- Expand your offer into new markets and for new clients with confidence.
- Find the opportunities to reinvent yourself or your business with long term sustainability as your cornerstone.
In short, you will take actions from the high road of inner wisdom and not allow your fears and upsets to get the better of you. You will not freak out. You will remember that you still have what really matters: talent, track record, reputation, value to offer, creativity, persistence, and patience - plenty of resources to help you weather this period of constriction, and the foresight to know that a period of expansion is sure to follow. Consider this economic downturn a great opportunity to find deeper alignment to your own values, your vision, and the resilience you can always find in your heart if you look for it by remembering to ask yourself the right question.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Mastering Effectiveness: A Coaching Companion and Self Study Workbook will be available for distribution in April 2009. This is a compilation of the best from LionHeart that is, literally, a pathway to mastering effectiveness. And the best part is the price. Normally, the value for an electronic workbook with accompanying audios such as this would be $149. However, we are committed to making it easy for you to purchase during this recession. We will be offering it for $69 until further notice; and if you want to purchase in quantities for your team or organization it gets even better - $59 per person for 10 to 24 copies, and $49 per person for 25 or more copies. But the best deal is to receive the workbook and audios free by attending our one day introductory workshop that is still only $250 - details for the workshop are below.
One Day Intro -- Mastering Effectiveness -- Tuesday, June 9, 2009
This one day workshop for creating business excellence offers a complete understanding of a very radical approach to work: knowing the high road to success and having the courage to take it. You will be offered coaching on your most significant challenge and walk away with our Coaching Companion and Self Study Workbook that will accelerate your professional growth for months to come. Tuition is $250; please contact Dan Duggan at dand@lionhrt.com