A while ago I was driving down a busy 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 a goose would 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 not 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 chosen not to fly or perhaps even lacked awareness that I could “fly”. Thankfully I have people in my life who encouraged and supported me fly. Also, being a bit of a dare devil I was willing to actually try to fly even when I was unsure.
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 very consistent and formed great habits for productivity and effectiveness. I knew exactly what to do, how to do, and when to do every action, every day. From getting my coffee to managing contracts. From the route to work to managing projects. From meetings to analysis…I had my routine down. Somehow, once I left corporate, I forgot. 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, and I am more productive, more effective, and much happier.
Like the geese, by me not flying, I actually influenced others in ways I never intended. 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 work have you forgotten to fly?