Beginning to See

A New View

About six months ago, I was talking with three of my coach friends from Connecticut. We’ve been “meeting virtually” on a monthly basis for many years and long before Zoom existed. I was in the midst of giving an update on a project that, for a variety of reasons, was taking longer than expected. I was very eager to have it done, however on that day, a more patient me provided this report:

“As I work on what’s necessary, I’m beginning to see what’s possible.”

As I work on:

what must be done first but I wish were done already,
what isn’t always that exciting to do,
what has some tedious components,
and what I thought would be done by now,

I’m beginning to see:

more than I could have imagined before I did this piece of work,
more than I thought would be possible,
something that is different,
and better than I originally planned.

My “necessary” project was the task of putting up a new website. It’s the vehicle to share my writing with you and it was clear this was the work to be done first. Immersing myself in this task helped clarify who my reader is, who I want to serve, what I want to offer and why. Even though I was eager to mark it done, relaxing into the task gave me new ideas and a new view of what was emerging.

Find Your Way to Necessary

As I work on what’s necessary, I’m beginning to see what’s possible.

I smiled when I heard myself say these words because I realized that I was paraphrasing a quote that appeared in one of my early articles back in 2005:

“Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – St. Francis of Assisi

I turned this simple quote into three coaching questions that I’ve used for many years (with myself and with others) to narrow the focus when feeling overwhelmed. As I launch this new chapter, it’s only fitting that I return to this message.

Name any project, piece of work or change being implemented and there is always that preliminary task to be done. This is true for individuals, organizations and even countries.

Usually there is a period of deferring or resisting taking action on what must be done first. You want to jump to a future point.

Then you remember to ask:

1. What is necessary?
2. What is possible?
3. What’s the best way to begin?

Adriene Mishler, the instructor in the yoga program I’ve been utilizing for an at-home practice, is fond of saying: You’ve done the hardest part. You’ve gotten yourself to the mat. She reminds me each time to find the courage to begin.

What is the scene of your important work this year?

Find your way to the mat. Make your way to necessary.

What You Can See Now

Some quotes are nice to read in the moment. Then there are others that stay with you like that St. Francis one did with me. Certain quotes might even help you integrate a new way of thinking and inspire you to action.

This Week’s Call to Action:

• What endeavor are you undertaking this year? What’s to be done first?
• Place this quote meme where you’ll see it often and let it encourage you.

Be patient and persistent with your necessary task. Don’t worry about how long it will take. Work on whatever part comes first. This will take you to a different place – a new vista – with an expansive view of what’s possible.