Imagine cruising along in your current reality knowing that life is good or at least predictable. You have become complacent. Life appears to be working well for you. The challenges are manageable and under control. You reside in a comfort zone because difficulties and hardships do not exceed your ability to handle them. And you are not worried about the future for it promises more of the same.
Inertia, that natural resistance to change is keeping the necessary objects of your world in orbit. The results are predictable, as you act consistently to match your values and beliefs. It is fortunate to be insulated, protected and feeling no pain.
Eventually, you might become frustrated with the status quo. You are surrounded by sameness and mediocrity in a mundane and environment. You may want a fresh perspective, adventure and excitement. You may want a breakthrough before life/work breaks you.
Your current state, sometimes referred to as normal, “the way it is”, “business as usual,” and the status quo will remain stationary until something bad happens to negatively rock your world. Sir Isaac Newton said that an object at rest will stay at rest and an object in motion will stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. When the outside force strikes it may throw you headlong into a crisis. Therefore, it is wise to land a breakthrough before it becomes mandatory or too late.
Theodore Levitt, the esteemed marketing guru, spoke of planned obsolescence. He said if you don’t make your product or service obsolete, somebody else will. To paraphrase, if you don’t plan to achieve a breakthrough, someone else may achieve a breakthrough that puts you out of business or leaves you behind the competition. Today is the day you began to make steps toward your breakthrough. If you look within the word, you may find that the word “rough” which may be an accurate depiction of the journey, but it will be worth the effort.
I Need a Breakthrough
I need a breakthrough,
A radical departure
From my current plateau,
To an area where endorphins flow,
In proportion to the challenges
I encounter.
I need a breakthrough,
Not incremental steps
To emancipation of thought;
But a bold new mindset to evoke
True innovation.
I need a breakthrough,
Ascending spiral staircases
To adventure;
To a domain where the air
Is different;
An elevation where
I must train vigorously
To sustain excellence
Of another kind.
I need to breakthrough
The stifling strait jacket
Of my staid routine;
To acquiesce to the audacity
To explore and find
The alternative sides
Of my capacity.
I need a breakthrough
To penetrate the glass ceilings,
To disintegrate the feelings
That the past and present
Are the best I can do.
I need a breakthrough
To build the images my mind
Has shared with me,
So that I can do
What is required to be
The type of person
I have been privileged to see.
Copyright © 2002 Orlando Ceaser
Reprinted from Leadership Above the Rim
by Orlando Ceaser
Personal Reflections
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Where is a breakthrough needed in your life?
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Where are you subject to experience your next breakthrough?
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Talk to family members about their need for a breakthrough and listen and help.
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Who can help you achieve your breakthrough?
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Are you bold enough to take the necessary risks?
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What kind of training and resources are required to achieve the next level?
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Enter the breakthrough in your journal, tablet, computer or cell phone.
Leadership for the Soul 