​How often have I stared at the blank page, frozen, without a clue about how to begin? I have had these face-offs with my computer monitor countless times when tasked with a research report, business proposal, book chapter, or blog post. Interestingly, the majority of these catatonic moments occurred around topics I knew well and was excited to produce. Go figure.
 
What is this roadblock really about?  What I have observed is that my desire to sound knowledgeable, authentic, and eloquent sometimes ignites my inner critic that tells me I am none of the above. Rationally, I know this to be false and thankfully, coaching has helped me squash the negative voice in order to make room for the loud supportive one bursting with motivation.
 
I remain surprised when the words still do not pour out of me after my internal pep talk. I am mindful that the feelings accompanying my snail’s pace are largely attributed to an unrealistic wish that the words flow in thoughtful, melodic prose at first pass. I refer to this as the perfectionist hurdle and she is not my friend.
 
When she shows up, it is time for me to implement the same strategy I often use to support clients when they are feeling stuck.  The “I don’t know where to start” that often follows a client’s declaration that they seek a change in one or more aspects of their life.
 
The strategy, whether applied to my own hurdle or in support of a client’s, is to take the task at hand and break it down into several small bites.  Shifting the focus from the final product to a series of doable steps is an incredibly useful tool. Empowering.
 
This strategy can be applied to a variety of life scenarios where a change is desired - -  career, relationship, fitness, etc. To illustrate this, take Cici (not her real name), a client who was expecting out of town guests for a weekend later that month and she wanted to de-clutter her spare bedroom, which had become the dumping ground for household goods she did not regularly use.  Items such as suitcases, giftwrap, animal carriers, old textbooks, etc. covered the guest bed and much of the floor, making the room inaccessible for an overnight visitor. Tackling the accumulated stuff felt understandably overwhelming to Cici and she kept putting it off believing her goal (having a useable guestroom) was out of reach. 
 
Using the method of breaking down the task into smaller pieces, Cici devised a plan to undertake one corner of the room before our next coaching session in one week.  She set out to clean a 4-foot by 4-foot area – a space she felt was reasonable to progress towards her ultimate goal. Days before our scheduled coaching session, I received a text from Cici stating she not only completed the designated corner, but she finished cleaning half of the room.  Once she rolled up her sleeves to confront what overwhelmed her in a manageable dose, she was motivated to keep going.  She indicated she would have done more but was limited by her schedule.  She could not wait to get back and finish what she started.   
 
The beauty of this strategy is that it is widely applicable to matters big and small. And the transformational impact is limitless. Seeking change and having goals are part of our personal growth process. Should perfectionist tendencies and overwhelm appear along the way, overcoming them to progress towards your goal is at your fingertips.
 
 

​Hard to believe we are mid-summer.  I love this time of year for all of its simplicity…farmer’s markets, flip flops, easy picnic dinners on the beach at sunset.  Perhaps an echo from my younger days, I have always felt that summertime feels more relaxed, even though work and family responsibilities continue with a steady rhythm.
 
Yet the summer of 2020 is far from relaxing.  In addition to the financial stress and health concerns that are a reality for many, favorite summer activities are on hold or extensively modified. The mental energy required to thread moments of fun and respite while keeping everyone safe can be exhausting.
 
Spontaneity is on hold. A last minute trip to the beach requires advance planning to secure the requisite parking pass that assures access.  
 
5:00 PM cocktails on Zoom replace evenings spent at a crowded, trendy restaurant. 
 
And our kids? Their summer plans have been cancelled, reduced, or adapted, leaving them with yet more time to fill after their education was abruptly disrupted in March. Parents tap into their limited energy reserves to negotiate with teens yet again, weighing the effects this period will have on their emotional, physical, and intellectual well-being.
 
The hardships are real and by no means can we trivialize them. With no end in sight, stress and anxiety take a toll on us. It has become increasingly difficult to plan anything given the rapidly changing rules and policies that drive a lot of routines.
 
And still, there remain many things that we can enjoy, as long as we take the time to notice, to be mindful of them.  The gifts of summer extend well beyond the vacations, pool parties, and traditions we find ourselves mourning. Many summer treasures are accessible and more than ever, offer necessary moments of joy when we pause and pay attention to them. Topping my list this summer:

• That first bite of a perfectly ripened peach
• Early morning exercise before the day becomes heavy with heat
• The pre-dawn chirping of birds outside my open window
• The beauty of a garden in full bloom
• A nighttime thunderstorm
• A prospering tomato plant started from seedling

 
Think about your list of summer favorites.  How would it feel to slow down and notice those tiny moments of happiness that sometimes pass unacknowledged? Allowing oneself to enjoy these simple pleasures is a simple and powerful tool to use, especially during these unprecedented times.