Setbacks as Signposts

I've been listening to some of my favourite mentors – Ali Brown and David Neagle – and they reminded me that sometimes tremendous change occurs once we step in to our purpose. Some of that changes appears as adversity or challenging circumstances. You might even call it 'failure'! It feels a little like an implosion of the status quo – everything you expected to happen is suddenly upside down and going backwards. Like when the subscription rate to my newsletter dropped off. Or when sales to my old programs started to fade. Or when a revamp of an old program failed to meet targets. The temptation is to jump in to panic mode and wonder if it was all going to hell in a handbasket and should I throw the towel in now? Ali said something that really struck a cord – if you are struggling to make something work that used to be easy or isn't as successful as it used to be (maybe an old relationship, or a workshop you've run many times, or a job that used to get you excited and no longer does) – then this is usually a sign you are not following your new path – that this old venture is really part of the old you, not the new you. Before you start panicking, take a deep breath and assess the situation for any technical issues: • Did your server have a glitch and the promotional email didn't go out? • Did the postcards get buried by the wayward postman? • Did your shopping cart have a meltdown? • Was your audience distracted by the burning building next door? If there was no technical explanation for the 'failure', then consider that perhaps this event is really part of the old you and it's a sign to step in to the new projects, new vision, and the new goals you've set for yourself. Reluctance to let go of the old stuff with excuses like, 'but what if no one likes my new projects?', or 'but this is usually such a reliable source of income' are merely distractions. Ask yourself instead, 'what does my heart really want to be doing now? Where I am really heading? Are these programs part of where I'm going or where I've been?' What has happened is that you've sent a clear intention for change – you've asked the universe for something bigger, better, or just different, and the universe is responding. Your new emotional vibration – one in resonance with your big new vision – is a different tone to your old expectations. This usually entails some sort of shakeup – as the vibrations intersect and aspects of your old reality fade away. You've got to let them go! What this looks like on a practical level is that whilst your internal emotional intention may be set – your vision is clear and you are excited about it – your physical reality takes a while to readjust. So you may have some programs disappear, or clients cancel, or any number of calamities. Take this as a sign of progress, not disaster! Next, it's time to evaluate your physical surroundings and start to make conscious choices to reflect the person you're becoming. In my case, this means updating my website, branding and my message. As I do this, the more I affirm my new direction – as a facilitator and trainer of women's leadership development programs – personal leadership for global impact. Just writing it out in public makes it seem more real! What do you need to adjust and update to help your vision come in to reality? \ Your website and marketing materials? \ Your wardrobe?\ Your office supplies? \ Your email signature? \ Your colleagues? \ Your networks? Just do one little bit a time and before you know it you'll be living the new vision in full colour.