There is nothing quite like the first thing in the morning. People, and cities, are just beginning to wipe the sleep from their eyes. The first cup of coffee tastes the best. The air is fresher. There is not as much traffic on the streets, or on the sidewalks. Walking is easier. Aromas of breakfast fill the air. The second cup is almost as delicious.
Each morning is a new beginning. No matter what happened yesterday, no matter how much or how little I actually slept; each morning brings something fresh, something new. It may evaporate quickly, but it was still there at the start of each day.
I have the opportunity to work with a lot of amazing people who are working to make changes. Some of them are struggling to change the way organizations work, some are struggling to become better leaders, some are struggling to come to terms with their deepest, truest selves. All of these people tell me their stories, and it is my honor and privilege to listen and try to help. The people with whom I work, in one form or another, are asking how they can be true to themselves and still meet their goals. They are struggling to find ways to create new beginnings, like the dawning of each new day.
The challenge for most people is seeing things in new ways, seing the possibilities. We become used to doing thing in certain ways, and to getting certain results, and we grow dependent on the ways we see things.
“But, we have always done it that way!”
Our perspectives become entrenched, and we get emotionally and intellectually invested in defending our habits. Eventually we are holding onto ways of seeing and ways of doing things for all we are worth, even though there may be much clearer ways of seeing and much more effective ways of working. We are not able to let go.
It can be helpful for us to remember that each morning is a new beginning, that it brings something fresh, and that the first cup tastes the best.
What are you holding onto that is holding you back?
[Image by BrianTaylor42]
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