In this blog, you will:
Learn how Shaking things up and Stretching yourself will build your ability to notice resources.
Learn how the Comparison trap, and Being a know it all can diminish your ability to notice resources.
In this blog post, we continue our series about resources. Up to now, we discussed the importance of acknowledging that we do have resources, and the resource of your attitude to serve others. In this article, we will look at two practices that help us to see the resources around us and two practices that prevent us from seeing resources.
Have you ever heard the expression one man’s trash is another man’s treasure? This expression deals with the ability to see seemingly worthless objects and turn them into a resource that can serve you. It all comes down to the way we look at ourselves and our surroundings which makes the difference between staying stuck and turning “junk” into treasure. This ability according to researchers is paramount for entrepreneurs to develop. And like with most things in life, this ability can either be developed or left alone like a muscle that is never exercised to diminish in ability.
Two practices that develop seeing value in resources: Shake things up:
One of the best ways to develop your ability to notice the resources around is by doing something different from your normal routine. The brain is an amazing muscle that tends to try and automate as much as possible to spend the least amount of energy. While this ability is wonderful in things like driving cars, and your golf swing, it does not assist us in seeing resources around us because the brain blocks out everything else to function in automation. By shaking things up we reengage the brain to notice things around us. Examples of shaking things up may be, taking a different route to work, changing your workstation (moving your desk or shifting furniture around), purposefully having conversations with people that are different than you, and reading something different than what you are used to. You will feel out of sync but take heart, this is a sign that it is working. Your brain is being re-energized.
Stretch yourself:
In his book The Talent Code, Daniel Coyle found that stretching your abilities just beyond what you can currently achieve is one of the ingredients of developing your skills and talents. Apparently, something happens when we breach our current abilities, our problem-solving, and overcoming mentality kicks in and we work harder because of adversity. Coyle found that athletes that reach just a little further than their current ability allows pushes them to be more creative and excel. In terms of noticing resources around us, rather than dreaming about the most conducive circumstances to change or do something in your life. Start by watching all the Rocky Balboa movies and go for it, lean into the adversity, and challenges you face. You may be surprised to find that your challenges are your greatest launching pad.
Two practices that diminish our ability to see resources:
Comparison trap:
One of the surest ways to diminish your ability to notice resources around you is by comparing yourself to others and their situations. By comparing ourselves we see others in isolation and without all the facts, this creates a false perspective in our minds that other people have more resources, are better positioned, and are more talented than us. This is an illusion that robs us of making the most of the opportunities that we have at our disposal. The truth is that it does not change anything about our situation when we become jealous of others, it just makes us bitter and resentful.
Being a know it all:
Our second practice that diminishes our ability to notice resources is being a know it all about your circumstances. Within the context of this article being a know it all refers to our acceptance that we know everything that there is to know about our circumstances and the resources that is available to us. All of us struggle with this to some degree because we are so close to our circumstances. Don’t be so easily convinced that you know it all, be a learner. Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha write in The Start-up of You, always be in Beta or testing mode, constantly improving and tweaking, skills, environment, and learning from those around you.
Coach U
This week I want to challenge you to shake things up and take on a goal that will stretch you beyond your current level of competency.
Shake things up:
Change something in your life, it does not have to be big or something directional, but possibly a routine or way you do a habit. If you want to take it to the next level. Invite someone for coffee that is totally different than you.
Stretch yourself:
This week take a hobby, sport, or goal to the next level. The key is not to attempt something that is totally new but rather to stretch a current ability one level further.
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