A private client was sharing about how they moved quickly into action and was receiving feedback that their behavior was creating stress and reduced engagement from the work team as well as their family.

We discussed and discovered there was an underlying assumption or belief that 100% action equated to success and holding back equated to failure. Yet is that true?

As a tennis player, the client realized that on the tennis court, holding back their full swing power created a successful lob shot with dropping the ball just over the net versus hitting the ball with full power to the back court.

The same is true in many sports examples. There are times when the quarterback will hesitate and let the receiver get into position before throwing the football for a well-timed reception… and touchdown!

In golf, if you swing full force all the time, you would be a terrible golfer… you would fail at chips and putts. And, if you hold back in swinging confidently, you can often find yourself in the sand or water.

My client realized that carrying the sports concept into daily actions would be of great benefit. 

It’s not an either/or situation… it is a both/and. There are times when both holding back and going into action could be the choice… based on the timing required or how much effort is needed to accomplish the task.

When is it better for you to hold back from 100% action yet choose an appropriate action?

• A team member asks a question about a procedure… Do you take over and complete the task or do you answer and let the person learn by doing it themselves?
• A friend is upset… Do you take action to listen and be compassionate or do you state you’ll get back to them in a few days?
• You want to go on a special vacation… Do you wait until the perceived perfect timing where all of life lines up to for you or do you research options and book sooner rather than later because sometimes if you wait life situations change and you miss the opportunity.
  
  
  

Remember, you can transform your perceptions and beliefs that impact your daily experiences and future possibilities.

Consider what is causing you to hold back or to take action – whether that is 100% or a variation. What could you believe differently to appropriately respond in each situation?

[appreciation to image creator]