One thing I’d say is that breakthroughs happen for me when I am not exactly looking to make a breakthrough. However, while I was writing that, I realize that they also happen when I very much want them to occur. I am not completely sure.

You are right that intensely pursuing something is worth way more than casually pursuing it. It might be worth 5 or 10 times as much. It makes a difference in output, creativity, and also the reception from others.

If we come at our efforts like a powerful tsunami, it is tough for big results to not show up. I can’t imagine it not working out.

Good mental imagery here.
Armen Shirvanian´s last blog ..Empowering Thoughts And Fearful Thoughts

You always have such strong content – thank you. I love the metaphor of the tsunami building up through the ocean but only becoming apparent near the shoreline. I see with myself and my clients that sometimes despite all the hard work and dedication, frustration can creep in. Sometimes this is because there hasn’t been enough work yet and sometimes it is because the breakthrough has already happened but was subtle. Your counsel to seek regular objective feedback is a great one.

I guess its a bit like parents. They see their children every day and have a continuity of this. When I see my friend’s children every three months, they have grown, changed and made huge advances in their development. Sometimes the parents are amazed when I point out a change as it has just crept up on them.

Thanks for an outstanding post,

Phil
Phil – Less Ordinary Living´s last blog ..What I talk about when I talk about running

I’ve have personal breakthroughs in the past and it’s only really looking do I realise that they happened and that all the small changes I’d made had added up to a massive change. You’re right there is no “Ah Ha!” moment – but I like to think of it like a post event/s “Ah” moment when you realise the change has taken place

There is so much of this post I can relate to, I would need to write another post to deal with them all.

Just dealing with one; I like your analysis of the value of short term results. The three steps you identified; I have seen in many learning environments and how the learners become frustrated by their perceived lack of results. I have also expereinced it in my own development; however I now deal with this in the approriate way.

I like your analogy of the tsunami being quite harmless at sea and suddenly making the breakthrough at the shore.

Thank you for sharing this.

Regards

Paul
Paul´s last blog ..Rocky Road