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Clear Pathways Coaching Newsletter, 9/9/09
Dear Friends: Welcome to Clear Pathways Coaching monthly newsletter. How many times have we decided not to try at all because we were told that we couldn't, that we shouldn't, that we had expectations that were too ambitious, that we would fail? Yet, how many remarkable accomplishments have been achieved by those who didn’t know they couldn’t, shouldn’t or would surely fail!
Warmly,
Lillian
To read this newsletter on-line go to: http://www.clearpathwayscoaching.com
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In this issue:
Quote of the Month
The Main Thing
Humor Your Stress
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
Aerodynamically the bumblebee shouldn't be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn't know that so it goes on flying anyway. – Mary Kay Ash
THE MAIN THING:
Because I Was Told I Can
by Jan Graham
About 6 months ago, I joined a gym. Every morning, there is one personal trainer there that works out at the same time that my little group does our workout. He does his "routine" with such a quiet determination that he makes it all look very easy; although I know all too well how hard he is working. When I am tempted to whine and quit, I watch him push himself to his own limits, and I find myself motivated to work as hard and without complaint.
A couple of weeks ago, I was watching him do chin ups. He made them look effortless. I broke away from my group and asked him if I could try a chin up. I had never tried before, but he just made it look so easy. He eagerly stepped aside and encouraged me to step up to the bar. I pulled myself up without thinking... once...then twice. That was all I had in me, I had no strength left. I told him that was all I had, so he stepped up behind me and pushed me up for a third and fourth "pull." It felt so good. I felt strong and I smiled from ear to ear.
The next day when I was done my workout, I asked him to spot me again. Again, I did two. Again on day three and so on. I thought it was pathetic that I could only do two, but when I came to the gym at the end of the week, he was standing there just shaking his head. When I asked him what was up, he said he was impressed with my chin ups. He told me that when they are training firefighters, the men are required to do 5 chin ups, and women are required to do 1 or 2. He explained that most people can't do them at all, and that he was impressed that I could. He further told me that if I practiced every day, I would be doing 5 or 6 in no time. At this point I should probably add that I am 50 years old...and female.
The moral of this story...because I didn't know any better, because he told me I could, I saw no reason to doubt. I just jumped in and gave it a try – and I did it! I didn't see it as a great accomplishment, because I didn't realize that it was difficult and it became my goal to get stronger. No one told me I couldn't do it, in fact, I was encouraged to try. Had he told me initially how difficult it was, I more than likely would not have tried at all. Or I might have tried, but given it only half an effort, because failure would have been the expectation. I applaud him for letting me believe that for me, it was not only a possibility, but that success was a realistic expectation.
HUMOR YOUR STRESS
By Steven Wright:
I stayed in a really old hotel last night. They sent me a wake-up letter.
I went to the bank and asked to borrow a cup of money. They said, "What for?" I said, "I'm going to buy some sugar."
If you saw a heat wave, would you wave back?
My theory of evolution is that Darwin was adopted.
When I was crossing the border into Canada, they asked if I had any firearms with me. I said, "Well, what do you need?"
Why don't they make the whole plane out of that black box stuff?
You can't have everything. Where would you put it?
I bought some batteries, but they weren't included.
He who laughs, lasts.
Lillian Mills, B.S., M.Ed., C.L.C.
Reinvention Coach
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