“The power of reflect is that it helps you connect.” – Scott Mawdesley
At the age of 35 I had an unplanned reflect and connect moment with my mentor John Woodall. As a part of John’s team I was attending an offsite strategy and planning retreat. In the course of our day, we hit on a topic I was super unhappy about. In fact, I was downright mad and frustrated and let everyone in the room know it!
Shortly after voicing my frustration we took a break and John invited me to join him in another room. As we stepped into the room he looked me in the eye and asked a simple, life-changing questions: “What was that?”. “What was what?” I replied as I honestly had no idea what he was talking about!
He continued, “I’ll admit that our topic in the last session was frustrating and I understand why you might get a little worked up. What I can’t understand is why you got THAT worked up. While that was a frustrating issue, your level of frustration was so much bigger than that issue. What’s in the gap between that issue and your level of frustration?”
I was stumped. I had no idea how to answer his question. I had never even thought about it. What was in “the gap” of my response and why had I made such a big deal about this issue? That moment was one of the first times someone had taken the time to reflect that I might have some underlying issues affecting my life and leadership in big ways. I remember thinking, “Hmm, I might have some issues to explore?” and man, was I right!
Maybe you can relate? Have you ever had things come up that exposed something much bigger in you than the issue at hand? If so, I’m guessing you have some work to do in “the gaps” of your life.
So, starting next Tuesday, I will begin sharing more of what I have learned about “the gaps” and how you can move to new places of freedom, hope and peace in your everyday life! Until then, I hope you have a great weekend and enjoy the Memorial Day holiday!
