Finding the "sweet spot"
In the November issue of O Magazine, Tom Peters was quoted as saying, "Excellence is accidentally tripping over your sweet spot." I love that he acknowledged that we each have a "sweet spot" and I know that you don't have to wait to "trip" over it...you can get curious and discover it yourself (of course, having a coach can help the process of introspection!).
Your "sweet spot" is that place in your life where your strengths, values, purpose, experiences and passions all come together and intersect. It's when you are aware of your strengths and you consciously utilize them in what you do (it's what you're naturally good at). It's making choices based on your values (living life and running your business in integrity with what's important to you in the big scope of your life), and it includes being aware of your purpose (the impact you want to have in the world). It's also when you are using the gifts of your personal and professional experiences (yes, there are gifts in all our experiences even going through 5 mergers/buy outs in 5 years - like me). And in the middle of all that, is where your passions show up (what you love to do). That's where the "sweet spot" is.
During my presentation at the recent ICF (International Coach Federation) Conference, a room full of 250 people started following the discovery process to find their own "sweet spot". It's amazing what happens when folks start getting a glimpse of their "sweet spot" - their own excellence - their gifts. It's like a light bulb goes off and have such clarity about their future. They get inspired to take action. It compells them to move forward. I have seen people get tears in their eyes as they realize that they have so much to offer and they aren't going to compromise themselves any more. It's quite beautiful!
Sounds hard or big? It's big but it's not hard. It's about paying attention, being curious about yourself and then having the courage to truly own your gifts.
