Sometimes we get really really stuck with a challenge at work.
We feel completely at a loss and it feels like there is no way through. In these situations it’s really helpful, firstly, to be kind to ourselves – we all find ourselves in this place sometimes and there is no shame in this. And secondly, we can mix things up a bit – this is a great antidote to lostness and confusion that can accompany these tough spots.
In support of mixing things up, I thought I’d share my go-to approach to find ways through difficult work situations. It was developed by Dr James Gordon, founder of the Centre for Mind Body Medicine, in support of trauma healing. But as Dr Gordon says, this technique can be used for any challenge, and he himself turns to it often in day to day life.
It’s simple, short, and can be very helpful. In moments of lostness it has always left me clearer on how to navigate the challenges I face. I have outlined a simplified version of the exercise below and you can watch Dr Gordon talk through the technique in more depth here.
To start
- Get three pieces of paper (separate pages ideally, but any empty space to draw will work)
- Find something to draw with (ideally a few colours to choose from, but one colour works fine too)
- Set aside about 15 minutes to complete this exercise
The exercise
- On the first page draw a picture of you now in your current context and environment – take about 5 minutes over this
- Turn this drawing over and move on to your next page
- Then draw yourself with your biggest problem – again take about 5 minutes to do this
- Again, turn this drawing over and move on to your next page
- Finally, draw yourself with your biggest problem solved – taking 5 minutes over this again
Reflection
- Look at your drawings – on each page note down what stands out to you
- What’s the most important thing that emerged?
- What will you take from this exercise?
- How are you feeling now?
- Reflection can bring up useful, moving and interesting things – whatever has come up for you, what do you fancy doing now?
I hope you find this exercise helpful. I always welcome hearing your experiences and feedback, so feel free to get in touch if there’s anything you’d like to share.
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