Empowering Manager News May 2006
leadership through partnership
In this issue
What I found in the woods
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What I found in the woods
When I took on the challenge to spend 24 hours alone in the woods in the middle of February, I was expecting to be cold, wet and very, very scared, awake all night listening to every sound and jumping out of my skin. Two things spurred me on however:
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A lot of people knew about my plans, many of them had either offered help or promised sponsorship, so there was no backing out
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I felt strongly that if this was what it took to raise funds to get Heritage House students to Japan, I was willing to take it on.
What actually happened turned out to be quite different from my fearful expectations. I loved the peace, and relished being alone. I really enjoyed taking my time over every small action - tying and adjusting the ropes holding my tarpaulin shelter, gathering firewood, tending the fire, creating a rustic bed. The weather was beautiful, sunny and dry all day while I set up camp, it seemed that even the weather wanted to help make the whole experience easy and smooth. I stayed an extra 6 hours before reluctantly striking camp and I'm looking forward to my next visit to the woods.
I learned that:
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I'm willing to face a big challenge, even something that really frightens me, if I care enough about the outcome
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After making a clear commitment, "to spend 24 hours alone in the woods" and telling a lot of people about it, then people and circumstances moved to help make it happen
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What I thought may be difficult, turned out to be very enjoyable
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Willingly deciding to take on a challenge and following through to do it, is very empowering, it brings a taste for more challenges.
So how about you? DEFINING YOUR CHALLENGE is the first step to getting what you want.
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What do you want enough to take on a big challenge? For the sake of what outcome are you willing to face your fears?
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Make your commitment now. Write it down in clear simple terms. "My challenge is to .........................."
And then:
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DECIDE who you will tell, and who you will ask for help.
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I love hearing about other people's big challenges. Please EMAIL ME about your challenge.
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ASK me about Challenge Coaching - a support package to see you through your challenge
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CHECK OUT Get Unstuck & Get Going - much more than a book, a whole system for getting going with the stuff that matters.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Alison Smith CPCC
Empowering Manager
leadership through partnership
THANK YOU!
To everyone who gave sponsorship for the Heritage House School visit to Japan. To find out how it went
click
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