Fight The Stop
Meet. Brainstorm. Plan. Analyze. Research. Organize. Repeat.
Do you recognize this script? I do. This is the script for the pilot episode that impacts the changes in our lives that never seem to launch. The endless round of “rinse & repeat” meetings with others or yourself that never seem to go anywhere.
For many years, this was the script of my unmet aspirations in my work, health, and best ideas.
I get it — we want to be sure it will work. We want insight. Points of reference. Points of view. Points of direction. Points of impact. Lots and lots of points.
The problem is that all of these points never get any closer. Even worse, sometimes they drift us further away.
Despite all of our access to information, technology, structures and systems — more than we could ever want or need — the framing stage of problem-solving takes permanent residence in our COS (Comfortable Operating System.)
Frame the problem. Frame the source of the problem. Frame the future effects of the problem. Frame the pain of not solving the problem.
The problem here is that your pilot episode stays in draft form.
The Gap Between Knowing and Doing
The gap between knowing and doing is one of the worst forms of “stuck” there is.
Stop framing and just MOVE.
One of the most important concepts I learned paddling whitewater and is reinforced each time I’m on the river — the most successful actions, as well as corrections to my biggest problems, are a product of movement and decision-making in real time.
Not only do I benefit from energy I create and propel, but it’s easier to align with the force of the stronger river current when I’m already on the move.
This can be applied to any element of being stuck in the framing stage.
So here’s your new script to move.
Move slowly: The HARDEST move to make is the one from a dead stop. It’s FAR easier to accelerate with a little bit of speed than with none at all.
Move consistently: Movement is an EVERY DAY practice. Slowing is ok. Stopping? Deal killer.
Move for change: Movement forces your brain to recalibrate over and over. In forward momentum, the scenery around you changes. You’ll be ready with a new perspective.
Move to stretch: The time has come to move past your own preconceived boundary. Movement forces you across the gap between knowing and doing.
Move to be grateful: Outside. With friends or in solitude.
Sometimes my old script pops up. I fight it off. I don’t want to stop again.
If you see me stopped, give me a push. I’ll do the same for you.
As America’s first ever Olympic Gold Medalist in Whitewater Canoe Slalom, Joe promotes strategies and shares stories for living and performing at your best, doing the work that matters and engaging with purpose. His platforms include performance coaching and consulting, professional speaking, broadcasting and his weekly newsletter, “Sunday Morning Joe.”
