As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that many of us fall into the trap of believing that we should be able to handle everything on our own. However, in this often chaotic and stressful world, this strategy can lead to feeling stuck and uninspired, wondering if this is it or if there is more. That’s where the importance of creating space becomes evident.
Again and again, I’ve experienced the art of creating space emerging as a beacon of hope, offering a path to self-discovery, growth, and fulfillment. But as with many growth opportunities, this one requires courage – courage to face the unknown. Creating space can look, at first, like a giant void, and that can make us uncomfortable—I, and perhaps many of you, like nice boxes and filled-in shapes. Peering over a cliff into the dark abyss can be frightening. But what if it’s not a dark abyss but an expanse just waiting to be filled with something wonderful?
Embracing the act of creating space demands courage because it involves letting go of expectations. We hold on to the belief that we can follow the steps and reach our intended destination. Certainty is something we crave. However, it’s essential to recognize that expecting certainty is unrealistic and often leads to disappointment. Rather than fearing the unknown, how can we learn to embrace it as an opportunity for growth and transformation?
Part of this transformative journey involves trusting forces greater than us. Whether it’s embracing a spiritual connection, tapping into the boundless energy of the universe, or simply surrendering to the innate power of life, opening us up to these possibilities can pave the way for incredible opportunities to unfold. So, how can we create space?
Shift your Mindset
Instead of relying on a step-by-step guide that seemingly guarantees our desired outcome, consider breaking free from self-imposed constraints and allowing yourself to dream beyond the boundaries we traditionally set for ourselves.
Go big!
If your goal is bite-sized, consider making it a feast. When we look at more expansive goals, our minds are often open to possibilities that we would not have considered for more tactical accomplishments. Even if the goal remains the same, how you get there may change.
Think outside yourself.
Creating space is not solely about personal gain; it also involves recognizing when to step out of the spotlight and make space for others to step in. Just because we can do something does not always mean we always should. Experimenting with silence can be an enlightening experience. If you are typically the one to fill space in the room, try waiting, listening, and creating space for others to fill it up. The act of creating space for others can lead to more collaboration and collective growth and can be incredibly rewarding.
Creating space in our lives is a courageous act that invites us to embrace the unknown, break free from limitations, and open our hearts to a power greater than ourselves. It’s a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and generous empowerment of others. So, the next time you feel stuck, uninspired, or yearning for more, consider it an invitation to create space and unlock the possibilities beyond the familiar.
Author – Charity Wilkins, InteraWorks Director of Shared Services
About InteraWorks
InteraWorks is a global learning company on a mission to elevate the human experience at work. Specializing in professional development and performance enablement, we offer top-rated learning programs based on four defined conditions that must exist for individuals and teams, including Effective Edge, Best Year Yet, and the Essentials series. Our integrated learning framework and online tools generate immediate and sustainable breakthroughs in performance. Through decades of working at all levels in enterprise companies across many industries, we’ve built a reputation for helping people and organizations harness their focus, mindset, talent, and energy to produce results that matter most.
We’ve defined four conditions that must exist for an individual, team or organization to be effective within the arena of performance and development; Accountability, Focus, Alignment, and Integrity. We’ll continue to explore these and more in our blog and look forward to your engagement and interaction with us. Stay tuned as we engage the edges.