Stand. Just, stand. Now, jump. You can’t can you? To jump you must bend your knees, and in bending your knees, you are dipping down lower than your starting position. The only way to jump up in the air, or to leap, is to come at it from a squat.
I had a business coach. He was one of those teachers that emerge spontaneously from the wings of your life and disappear just as promptly. He spoke with his big sausage-finger hands, and everything he said was huge; huge in gesture and huge in meaning. One lesson he taught me stood out apart from the rest. It was that pearl that someone hands over that might change the course of your life.
“Heather, before you reach any goal worth achieving you have to squat.” He stopped for dramatic effect; then he began again. “When a goal is worthy and true you will often find yourself with a sense of pause before that goal is realized. It might feel like you are losing ground, even going in the wrong direction. It might feel like a most articulated sense of failure or hopelessness. This is the time when most turn and walk away.”
“Always remember this is the ‘squat’. Our bodies naturally squat to leap physically. Mentally this occurs as well. Our accomplishments, dreams, and goals are the destinations of a mental leap, and to get there – Guess what? – We also have to squat.”
Do you feel like you have been digging, and driving toward a personal or professional goal? Does it feel as though nothing is happening? No forward motion seems to be transpiring? Does it feel extra hard? Is there tremendous pressure? Does everything seem against the odds?
Remember the squat.
When I have pursued “out of my league” goals, the squat-concept gave me peace. Knowledge of the existence of the “squat” phenomenon gave me the strength to go on. Often the deepest part of the squat is the tender moment right before a goal is achieved.
Don’t give up.
Keep punching on.
Love the squat.
Get ready for air-time.
What goal have you been working on that has taken a back burner because of perceived lack of progress? Could you be in a squat? Could it be that you need to swing your arms back and go for it? Consider a goal this week you might need to revisit with renewed passion!
WANT TO JUST WATCH THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS POST?
Would you like to consider some business coaching? Let’s determine if we are a good fit for each other!
If you like this post, you will lose your marbles over these.
THE ART OF LISTENING AND HANDING OUT BLUE SPARKLY BRACELETS
THE TRUTH ABOUT HOW BRAIN CANCER CLEARED MY MIND
51 Responses
I LOVE this analogy! Sometimes it seems like we’re taking a step backwards, when really it’s just a prep to propel ourselves forward! Love it!
Totaly. I think too many people give up when they are steps from hitting gold! Thanks for reading.
This is the perfect analogy. As someone who’s working on my career goals and working on getting fit again – I know that the squat burns but it’s important. In fact, it can almost be more significant than the jump itself. Thanks for sharing this, it was very encouraging.
Sola! I love the added visual of the burn AND the fact that the SQUATTING can be the more important part. That is where character is built, right? Thank YOU!
That’s a great analogy to go by! Work hard and you will rise up! Thanks for sharing.
You bet, Danielle. It really stuck with me. 🙂
Love this analogy! I feel like I have so many goals that I’m working on right now. I just need to keep my eye on the prize. Thanks for the motivation!
for sure, Chelsea! So important to not get derailed, right?
This is great! Love this idea–might have to use it with myself or my clients when they need to hit reset on their goals! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
You bet Stephanie! Use away!
I love this so much! I get stuck in this trap so often, and often I just need the right push to move forward with my goals!
You go for it, girl!
Such a good analogy! I love that some lessons just stick with us forever. So awesome:)
I do too Joanna. Funny how some do and some don’t!
Brilliant comparison, its a great perspective. I definitely need to swing my arms and go for it 🙂
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
It was a good reminder for me too!
I love this concept! Such a great idea.
Thanks, Ariel! I appreciate your feedback.
I think we all need the reminder! Love the comparison! Goals are totally reachable. Thank you for the post!
You bet Jenn, I am glad that you found this helpful!
What a great example! This is a perfect visualization, too. Gives you pause, for sure!
Heather you are so inspirational. This is the exact post I needed to read at this exact moment. So many great points. Thank you!!
Chrissa! I am so glad you found it helpful! The feeling is mutual by the way!
Great analogy to live by. Exactly what I needed right now to be honest.
Thanks for the inspiration.
I am so glad it was relevant, Anna!
This is amazing! Thank you! x
http://www.theprettycitygirl.com/
Thanks, Rutuja!
This is very helpful I definitely need to start setting goals ❤️
You could make a goal to set a goal Monique! 😉 My assistant used to laugh because I would make a list about making a list.
Such a great way to look at it…I think I’m in the squat for several things, and just waiting for that air time:)
It will come Kim. I was in one too and I had FOUR things happen on Friday that showed me I am getting there! Yeah!
Great motivation! Thanks for sharing!
Greta | http://www.gretahollar.com
Glad you think so, Gret! I had to re-read it myself this week!
I love this perspective! Just wanted I needed to hear!
SO glad, Heather. Keep at it, girl!
I love that analogy. I’ve always noticed that right before I’ve achieved some of my most cherished goals, I’ve had a moment of total loss. There was one goal that I achieved where I sobbed the entire day before things started to move forward. I couldn’t believe how quickly things went from hopeless to attainable. That is a lesson I try to take with me.
Oh, I love that, Erica. That is helpful for other readers to read as well. 🙂
I love this! Such great motivation and a great analogy. I needed to read this today, as I’ve been feeling a little stuck lately. Thank you!
It helps, doesn’t it. I re-read it this week as well! 🙂 Good luck getting unstuck! (That is where the best work happens though!)
What a great analogy! It is so true! Thank you for sharing this. It is a great way of thinking for the new week!
It was helpful for me the first time heard it as well, Jessica. It sure helps stay the course!
This is a great reminder! I’m at a difficult point in my life where I’m facing a lot of anxiety and am worried about not reaching my goals and disappointing myself and others. I definitely needed this post today!
xoxo, SS
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCYzMXHJTF5/?taken-by=southernstylista
xoxo back at you SS. Sometimes we gotta put the “horsey blinders” on and just keep moving forward. It’s YOUR journey and in the end disappointing others ends up being a lesser deal than we make it out to be in our heads. Keep going, girl!
Great perspective! I enjoy your writing. 🙂
Thank you, miss Bella. I appreciate the comment!
This was perfect!!! Such great motivation!! Thank you so much for sharing!! 🙂
Thankyou. I have returned to this post for my own encouragement so I am glad others are resonating with it as well.
I love this! It’s a great analogy and one I’ll return to when I’m feeling discouraged in my pursuit of my goals. 🙂
That is great, Crystal! Good luck with your goals!
I absolutely lovelovelove this metaphor. Wow. What goodness.
Coming Up Roses
Erica, I love goodness in my posts. Thanks for commenting!