#TotallyTrendyTuesday Looking Backwards can Create Perspective Moving Forwards
Have you ever read an old journal and found tremendous delight in seeing where you were in comparison to your current thoughts? I certainly do and have that same experience when looking through old blog posts. In the way of "trends" having consistency that allows you to track your own growth is totally trendy! check out my own "throwback Tuesday" honoring where I was two years ago, in the writing of this article "The Observer vs. the Absorber. Cheers! -Linds
The Observer vs. the Absorber
October 28, 2013 BY LINDSEY RAINWATER
I have been thinking about this idea of being an observer vs. absorber, and the power of the ability to flow through circumstances vs. getting stuck.
Allow me to first provide a description of what I am thinking in this space of observer vs. absorber.
The Observer: Able to flow through circumstances not attaching to any one particular idea. Additionally, not attaching to outcomes or interactions results more so, stays focused on their own truths amidst day to day encounters. Considering all, attaching to little.
The Absorber: Finds identity and fulfillment in learning about others and then taking ownership of fixing or owning those things as their own. Often sees areas of opportunity and places a tremendous amount of value in correcting those things via others ideas and input instead of their own individual ideas.
I was thinking about this application of thought in regards to a health club operator, when you operate a health club there is a LOT to think about, juggle, and consider. You are often times in charge of a huge scope and are expected to log long hours, deliver on measurables and have very happy members and staff.
So which of these two ways of being resonates?
Do you find yourself walking around with a big backpack on, hearing each request, need and desire from staff and members, putting each one in the backpack and then sitting down in your office to slowly unpack your luggage hoping to figure out how to serve each demand while staying afloat? This can get very dramatic, by attaching importance to each item in the backpack, you end up spending a considerable amount of time, off the scope of focus and in the drama of trying to please everyone.
In my opinion, drama is fear dressed up as a story. A lot of the drama I see happen is wrapped up in unknown outcomes, what if's, and fear of failures- all things we do not have the ability to predict. Drama, Fear can be side stepped in the position of the observer.
The observer flows through the day, attentively notices each circumstance around them, without attaching an idea or specific significance to any one item. Seeing the big picture and plugging critical noticing into the equation they see as the operational plan. The observer has a lot of time on their hands because they do not engage in the drama or fear of un measurable outcomes, instead they stay focused on the present, keeping the large scope idea of 'where they are going' in mind. If something does not lend itself to the big picture, it probably shouldn't absorb time in the present.
So I ask, do you find yourself engaging as an absorber or an observer?
Let me know, if you find it helpful to consider a new way of looking at your day to day operations.
Lindsey Rainwater is a consultant and coach to the fitness and wellness industry. She specializes in business development and leadership. Currently she is working with the Fitmarc Team helping Health Club owners all over the south central region of the united states propel their business forward via group exercise solutions. For more information about Lindsey, follow her @lindseyrainh2o