Joe Brown, from Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI brought me in to speak and do a book signing during National Management Association week in Detroit. Thanks to Joe Brown and Adrienne Coleman who made me feel like part of their Blue Cross Blue Shield family. I read from the chapter STRESS: “I’m afraid to take off the training wheels” – Go From Fear to In Gear.
This post consists of a powerful story from my book, Take the Ride of Your Life! I hope that you enjoy the message as much as Joe and Adrienne’s team did. They asked very powerful and insightful questions during the discussion.
Alyce’s Story
Alyce is a crisis counselor for abused women. She understands the power of asking for and giving help. She spent her earliest childhood in a Louisiana migrant camp. She remembers watching her mom pick tomatoes, cucumbers, strawberries, apples, peaches, and cherries under broiling southern skies.
“My first bike did not even have wheels. It was a real old Schwinn. Everybody took turns pushing each other on it, because it didn’t pedal,” she recalled.
“It had a big seat on it, and we pretty much taught ourselves to ‘ride’ it. All the kids took turns holding the bike and pushed each other until we skinned our knees. We had a ball.”
It wasn’t until Alyce turned eleven or twelve and moved to Michigan that she got her first new bicycle.
When Alyce thinks about her bikes she has some keen insights.
“That first bike wasn’t complete. Yet, a bunch of kids got together and supported each other so we could all play. Then all of a sudden, I had a bike that I could ride myself. It’s like my life. I love doing things with people, for people. I’m much more content with this than being by myself. I’m happy with my life. Now I have a full bike with everything
on it — and I’m sharing it.”
Joyce’s Thoughts
Many of us don’t ask for help because we think it is a sign of weakness. Asking for help is a strength. It is a sign that you are taking care of your own needs.
Sit down and create a list of people who can help you feel less pressured. Problem-solving gives you control of the situation; it allows you to create your own positive
environment amid the stress of everyday chaos. Problem-solving is another technique that moves people into action. It gives control, versus staying stuck and complaining about
the same old things.
Gear-Shifting Action Steps
1. Write the name of a negative person who brings you down. Problem-solve a plan to protect yourself.
2. Who is a cheerleader in your life? What does this person do to encourage you?
3. Who are you a cheerleader for? How do you encourage this person to be the best he or she can be?
4. On the left side of a paper, make a list of the situations that troubled you last year. On the right side, list the effects of each situation. Hopefully the items on the
right side won’t seem so important.
What worried me one year ago?
What are the consequences?
At work?
At home?
With relationships?
Now make a list of the troubles you’re facing today.
Visualize how they will turn out one year from now.
What worries me today?
What will be the consequences?
At work?
At home?
With relationships?
Want to Use this Article in Your Newsletter or on Your Website?
Of course! You are welcome to print this, and any other articles we send, if you use the following byline:
A recognized expert on Resolving Conflict in the Workplace, Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP is an author, accountability coach, and a Certified Speaking Professional.
To book Joyce to speak at your event or company call: 800.713.1926 or email: Joyce@JoyceWeiss.com
Visit her website at www.JoyceWeiss.com to sign up for your own FREE video series on Resolving Conflict in the Workplace and Communicate with Impact Weekly.
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Until next time,
This is Joyce Weiss, Business Conflict Resolution Consultant
I help people become top level leaders who get GREAT results.
How do I do this?
I teach them to tackle the tough conversations with bullies and negative people to build employee engagement, accountability, and rock star performance…
The Result? My clients get a better night’s sleep!
Remember…You Get What YOU Tolerate!
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