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Partnering for Success
The
course of our life, the things we achieve, the happiness we
feel, are all in some way effected by the people around us. This column includes tips on how to be more
successful and enjoy
life even in the tough times by forging winning
partnerships—partnerships that help you and those around you
prosper.
A
Column by Philippa Courtney
September 2002
You Can't Jump Half Way Off a Cliff
Have you ever stood at the top of a cliff and looked out across the
wide-open horizon, felt the wind in your face, and imagined you
could extend your arms and fly?Recently I learned that taking a
real leap of faith means that you have to actually jump off the
ledge.
How do you hold onto your faith when you have put everything on
the line, when you're waiting for the deal to break, or the first
contract or big customer to come in-when you are hurtling towards to
the ground wondering if your wings will work?.
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It's the economy you tell yourself. Some people say the
planets are out of alignment. You would even change your
breakfast cereal if you thought that it would help. Instead,
you can choose to focus on your goals, feed yourself with
positive thoughts, and pray, even pray a lot.
In the harsh climate of Antarctic where winds drive
temperature to one hundred degrees below zero, penguins stand
in large huddles. They take turns on the outside of the
circle where they put their backs to the brutal winds that
would soon batter any one of them to death. But their
collective warmth and willingness to take a turn sheltering
others keeps the community strong and healthy in one of the
harshest environments on earth.
Recently I heard Cecile Andrews, community educator and
Stanford scholar, talking on NPR about the importance of
community circles. She believes that when you form a caring
group of people you experience true connectedness and you
begin to understand the value our interdependence and how the
well being of each other affects all of us. |
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In times of trouble we're learning
that the key to our success as well as our survival is in our
relationships.
The people in our life can make the difference between
harnessing the wind or being hammered by it. |
My husband and I are not by nature joiners but we're going to
start a small group for people on the brink of success. When
you come together with like-minded people and share ideas,
support, and a sense of belonging you create a positive shift
in each other's life.
If your tendency during tough times is to hide out, then
consider expanding your focus beyond yourself. Look at your
current group activities and ask yourself if these are
associations where you can come as you are and feel equal,
where you can really get to know each other. Consider starting
your own circle for support and success. If you have one close
friend, then expand what you have together and invite other
people you know to be a part of your lives.
Have you ever seen people skydive and hold hands in a circle as
they free fall before pulling their parachutes? When you take
that leap of faith, your partners can help you land safely on
the ground. A community of support can also give you wings.
That's what being partners in each other's success is all
about.
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