Some time ago I was driving down a busy Denver street when traffic came to a screeching halt. Four lanes of vehicles all waiting for a flock of geese to cross the road. As I sat and impatiently waited and watched the 30 or so geese meander across the road I said out loud “Geez Louise! You can fly so why are you walking!!!”
Of course this got me giggling and then pondering about why would a goose walk as opposed to fly. So I googled it and found interesting facts like why geese fly in the V formation, how the leader of the flock is determined etc. Quite fascinating really. I didn’t find out WHY a goose would choose to fly and imagine there is some goose whisperer that could probably answer the question.
And of course my coaching mind got me thinking of how many times in my life that I have been unaware that I could “fly”. Thankfully I have people in my life to encourage me and also being a bit of a dare devil I was willing to actually try to fly from time to time. Not knowing that you can fly is certainly something that I often see in myself and my clients. But what about forgetting to fly?! It wasn’t until recently where I realized I had truly forgotten that I could fly.
In case you are wondering what part of life I forgot to fly, it was having a consistent daily routine. In my corporate life I was as consistent as I could be. I knew exactly what to do, how to do, and when to do every action every day. From getting my coffee to facilitating leadership trainings. From the route to work to lunch with colleagues or clients – I had my routine down. Somehow, once I left the corporate office. I needed someone to remind me that I could fly AND I needed to experience flying again. I am happy to report I am “flying” again, am more productive, more effective and much happier
Like the geese, by me not flying, I actually influenced others in ways I never knew. By not using a daily routine I negatively impacted myself, my clients and even my family. When I am not flying, I am not myself. Conversely, when I fly, I am no longer blocking traffic. I am allowing things to flow naturally and the way they should in my own life as well as in others.
Coaching question: What area of your life or business have you forgotten to fly?