As a child, I loved springboard diving. Part of learning more difficult dives was knowing when to stop spinning in the air and reach for the water. I got better with every belly flop.
When you’re spinning fast backwards up in the air, it’s hard to tell the difference between the sky and the water. It all looks blue.
As part of my diving practice, I had to depend on my coach to yell, “OUT!” at just the right moment. That meant it was time for me to stop spinning instantly, straighten out and reach for the water — hoping I would find it.
Perhaps you need that instruction now. In business, it’s easy to get stuck in spinning mode.
Maybe you’re busy, but you’re not being productive. Or you’re over analyzing instead of making the decision. Or you’re stuck in patterns that don’t get results.
If so, now is the time to stop that motion and take different action.
Are you spinning in your sleep?
Executives, leaders, business owners and entrepreneurs process ideas in their sleep. Their minds are constantly spinning.
Spinning can be a good thing if it gives you momentum to move forward, but some people get dizzy…feel overwhelmed with their to-do list or they juggling too many competing priorities.
With increasing pressure to find solutions more quickly and compete most effectively, it’s tempting to try to take in more information or ideas than you can act on.
You might be trying to learn new information at a pace that’s too difficult to apply.
When your world starts to blur for whatever reason, note these tips from diving:
- Visualize the process. Go through the motions step-by-step in your mind first. See yourself succeeding.
- Get a good bounce. Find the right springboard for you. Perhaps a new business idea or project…or simply a new direction.
- Don’t hold your breath. Breathe. Stay focused.
- Find a coach if you need one.