Navigating on the Beam
Life, by its very essence, is unpredictable. Try as we may to see into the future, perhaps the best way we can move through life is moment-by-moment presence and adaptation.
While we cannot control the volatility of existence, we can be prepared for changes through the development of awareness, adaptability and choice. We cannot always choose what happens to us, but we can choose how we respond. This power of choice, fundamental in coaching, builds upon philosophical predecessors such as Roman and Greek stoics and clinical insight from Victor Frankl’s Logotherapy. Often associated with crisis management and adaptability, internal awareness and navigation is paramount for leadership and personal growth. In this piece, I’ll highlight the benefits of being able to navigate on the beam and how you can learn to embrace it in your own life.
Adapting
As a seasoned professional coach, I’ve learned that course correcting is not about reacting to circumstances but embodying adaptability. Instead of being at the mercy of outside forces, we can adapt our knowledge to tackle challenges with confidence. While traveling the world to meet clients from various cultures, creeds, backgrounds and societies, I’ve seen time and again that the internal cultivation of choice and skills is universal, and it enables people to operate above their external circumstances.
To illustrate what I mean, I like using jazz as an example. The musicianship of a jazz performer is one of their greatest assets, as is their ability to be in the moment, be aware of their other members, and operate in a flow state. The greater the capability of the musician, the greater the opportunity for the magic of discovery, note by note. As opposed to a set orchestra playing a well rehearsed part, the wonder and beauty in jazz lies in the unexpected. Therefore, the development and training for the musician is based on mastery, allowing one to disappear and flow; or said another way, their intuition guides them and creates magnificent expressions.
Our intuition is an invaluable tool for adapting to changes. Often called our gut instinct, intuition plays a vital role in navigating uncertainties and making split-second decisions. It's a way of expanding one's internal listening or tuning into the proverbial airwaves of consciousness. The more we practice and cultivate intuition, the more we rely on it. Over time, we can better decipher the content to which we choose to listen and what we choose to inform us. Our intuition can become like a superpower, and when supported with experience, we can increasingly rely on it as a bedrock of support. While strategic planning and analytical thinking have their place, intuition offers a different kind of intelligence — one that taps into our subconscious knowledge. By tuning into our intuition, we can access insights and perspectives not immediately apparent with rational thought alone.
Smooth Seas
Franklin Roosevelt's once said, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” From this adage, we learn that challenges and obstacles are not hindrances but rather opportunities for growth. Navigating on the beam means reframing your perspectives and intentions to see possibilities instead of limitations. When we have a constrained, static mindset, challenges appear significant and daunting. But by changing the way we see things, challenges transform from a threat into a gift; one that allows us to grow into greater manifestations of our potential. It becomes an access point of development, all by shifting how the viewer sees the world.
Ultimately, navigating on the beam is about adapting to the moment and seeing what is an initial challenge as a gift or opportunity. It’s a mindset and skill that empowers individuals to steer their lives in the direction they desire, regardless of what they encounter. If this is something that speaks to you, or you wish to develop it further, I’d love to see how collaborating can support you. Head here if you’d like to schedule some time with me.