Are you having a slow start to the year like I am?
It feels like December just vanished in a blink, doesn’t it? I managed to detach from my phone for a few glorious days (woohoo!), but now, with January rolling out, I’m wrestling with the inertia of getting things moving again.
And there is an analogy I really like that represents this perfectly. Imagine a water mill – you pour water to start the wheel turning, and initially, those turns are sluggish, each one a small victory against the weight of inactivity. But once the flow picks up, everything starts to move with grace and ease. Writing this newsletter is my small act of pouring that first bucket of water to kickstart the year.
Do you ever feel stuck at the starting line?
Whether it’s beginning a new project, establishing a new routine, or reigniting a passion that’s been dormant, the leap from standstill to motion is daunting. It’s not just about physical action; it’s about overcoming mental blocks, fear of failure, or the comfort of the status quo.
Science supports this struggle. Dr. BJ Fogg, a behavioral scientist at Stanford University, introduced the idea of “Tiny Habits.” His theory states that small, manageable actions can lead to significant changes over time. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, start by simply putting on your gym shoes each morning. This tiny act can cue your brain into action, making the next step easier. This principle extends beyond personal habits into realms like entrepreneurship or learning new skills where the transition from nothing to something is the most challenging phase.
Habits have been on my mind, especially after my recent staycation. I’ve been attending hot yoga sessions, where the instructor’s advice, “Make yourself big,” resonated with me profoundly. This isn’t just about physical posture; it’s a metaphor for how we position ourselves in life, our work, and our interactions.
Expanding on making yourself big, I’ve observed in Australia, and perhaps globally, a tendency to shrink ourselves to fit into social norms or avoid conflict. This often manifests in how we speak, with many prefacing their statements with apologies, even when there’s no need. “Sorry, but…” becomes a crutch rather than a genuine expression of regret. This behavior isn’t just about politeness; it subtly signals a reluctance to assert one’s space or ideas
In my professional engagements, I’ve noted a stark contrast between different levels of management. C-suite executives rarely start with apologies before voicing their opinions or decisions, while others might. Interestingly, research from the University of California, Berkeley, supports that while apologies can foster harmony, they might also inadvertently signal submission or lower status in professional environments. On the other hand, leading with confidence and clarity is often associated with leadership.
So, here’s my encouragement for this year: Make yourself big.
- Stand firm in your convictions. Don’t let the fear of disagreement or rejection mute your voice.
- Root yourself in your values. Let your actions and decisions be guided by what you believe in deeply.
- Lead with authenticity. Your genuine self is your greatest asset; wear it proudly.
- Surround yourself with those who also strive to expand. Growth is contagious; find your tribe.
Let’s pour that water, take that first turn, and build our momentum together. What’s your ‘first pour’ for this year? What small step will you take to start your wheel turning?
Reflect on this, and let me know your first steps towards making yourself big in this new year.
To your success,
Lison xX
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Lison, whenever you are ready, here are a few ways I can help
- If you are about to make an important decision for yourself (or your team) – let me be part of your inner circle and work towards your success, book a call with me to discuss this.
- Book one of my workshops for your team to elevate energy and performance. More information here.
- With my first book Act Before You overThink to learn how to make better decisions faster and liberate your mind from the constant chatter that hinders your potential. You can buy it here.
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