Copyright (c)
2009 Laurel Vespi
Stone Circle Coaching
http://www.stonecirclecoaching.com
We've
all had those ah-ha moments - a split second when something become crystal clear.
That sense of the lights going on is your signal that an opportunity exists. You
now have a new piece of information or insight that can impact on your choices
going forward.
Unfortunately the usual response to a light
bulb moment is a momentary pause and then a return to the status quo. The opportunity
to create something different in your life fades away.
Try
these five ways to use a light bulb moment:
1. Journal About
It.
When you've had a moment of insight, take some time
to explore it more. Journaling is a great way to deepen your clarity about a topic
or idea. Write some before and after statements - before my "ah-ha"
I thought this; now I think this. You can also journal on some of the reflection
questions listed below.
2. Ask Yourself Some Questions.
Spend
some time reflecting by having a little conversation with yourself.
Given
your new insight, ask yourself:
"What is possible now,
that seemed impossible before?"
"How can I use
this new insight to create change?"
"Why is this
important?"
3. Take Action.
Reflecting
on an insight and deepening your understanding or clarity is great...AND change
occurs when you actually start to do something different. You can have a thousand
light bulb moments but if you never take action on any of them, you'll still essentially
be in the dark. Decide how you can translate your insight into concrete action.
Then do it.
4. Share It With Someone.
Besides
having conversation with yourself, you can also share your light bulb moment with
someone you trust. This is another way to stretch your learning about the insight
and to brainstorm ways you might act on it. Choose someone who would be willing
to have an open and honest dialogue.
5. Have Compassion
For Yourself.
Sometimes when you have a light bulb moment,
you experience a "duh!" feeling - a rush of "why didn't I get this
before?" It's easy to not see the forest for the trees. It's not as important
that you didn't get it before as the fact that you get it now. Usually all the
right factors have to line up for us to have an insight. Personal growth is a
life long journey. So instead of beating yourself up, give yourself a hug for
making the connection and then use the insight to change your behaviour.
