609. Co-Creating "Impossible Visions" That Change the World

After dropping out of school at age 16, “I went for an interview at what was called a further education college quite near where I was brought up in the Midlands in the United Kingdom. Even though I didn’t have the qualifications to get in, the man who interviewed offered me a place on a program. It was absolutely fundamental to how my life shaped up after that. Every summer, from when I was 18, I worked for a holiday company, traveling around Europe. By the age of 19 or 20, I had worked in seven different countries, and I was getting to see a lot of the world.”

Simon found a niche teaching English as a foreign language, opening the door to living six years in Italy. Along the way, he found his greatest pleasure in teaching one-on-one, but as he advanced in his career, his hands-on teaching decreased, along with his job satisfaction. He became disillusioned and questioned whether he had anything of value to contribute. Then, he connected with a coach through his workplace. “I worked with a coach for about three months. I went from being in a difficult place to having a new job, in a much more dynamic, small organization, where I could have a bigger impact.” Step by step, he earned coaching credentials and went out on his own.

“People often make the mistake of trying to create a future from the past. To create a new future you have to create a new present. That requires reflection and developing self-awareness. It’s about getting some feedback, and a perspective on how you might be able to do things differently. Start by looking at what’s working and what’s not working. Then have the courage to step forward and embrace your strengths.”

The Art of Living, by Bob Proctor

THRESHOLDS: 75 Stories of how changing your perspective can change your life, by Robin Von Schwarz and Simon Crowe.

1. Accept responsibility that you are the person in charge of creating your life. You are not just a victim of circumstances.

2. Honestly look at what’s working for you and what isn’t. Embrace your strengths.

3. Start to think about a different way you can BE, not just different things you can DO. Think about your energy, your thoughts and emotions to increase your self-awareness.

4. Find ways to be of service to others. There is transformative power in service, both for you and your world.