Unlocking Areté: Master Life's Challenges with Targeted Thinking

You know that moment when you're on the edge of a diving board, staring down at the shimmering pool below? Your heart pounds, aware of your capabilities, but a nagging voice of doubt whispers, "Can I really do it? What if I fail?"

Life often feels like a series of these diving board moments — those instances where we teeter between our present selves and our full potential. The Ancient Greeks recognized this highest potential and termed it 'Areté.' (See my last blog for more on this!) But, what exactly is Areté?

Areté has been translated as "excellence" or "virtue." However, a more apt description might be the relentless pursuit of our best selves at every moment. It’s about bridging the gap between our present reality and our loftiest aspirations. Yet, life's unpredictability can sidetrack us: a spilled coffee, an unexpected traffic jam, or an unforeseen challenge at work. Rather than succumbing to frustration, what if we had a tool to navigate these hiccups? A method to anchor us to our Areté?

Enter, Targeted Thinking 🎯

Consider Targeted Thinking as your mental GPS during uncertainties. It's grounded in the present, yet future-focused and action-oriented. It serves as your compass, guiding you towards Areté. Wondering how to utilize it?

How to Practice Targeted Thinking:

1. Identify the Issue: Acknowledge the challenge, e.g., "My project isn't progressing as envisioned."
2. Radically Accept Reality: Embrace the situation wholeheartedly. Say, “Thank you, Universe! This is my chance to grow!” 🚀
3. Set Your Target: Shift from feeling defeated to being proactive. Ask, “What do I want to achieve?” Perhaps, “I want this project to be outstanding!"
4. Plan: With a clear end-goal, strategize your next steps. Think, “I'll revisit our approach, collaborate with teammates, and solicit feedback."
5. Take Action: Dive into problem-solving. Refine strategies, brainstorm, and execute innovative solutions.
6. Celebrate: Pat yourself on the back and declare, “That's just like me!”

Reflection and Action Time! 💭✍️

Grab a notebook (or open your phone's notes app). Reflect on a recent 'diving board' moment in your life. What held you back?

Now, let's apply the Targeted Thinking approach:

1. Pinpoint the Issue: Identify what caused your hesitation.
2. Welcome Reality: Embrace the situation without judgment.
3. Visualize Your Goal: Imagine the ideal outcome.
4. Plot the Course: Outline the steps to achieve your goal.
5. Spring into Action: Execute your plan with determination.

And hey, don't forget the most fun step: Celebrate! 🎉 Whether you nail it or learn from it, give yourself a pat on the back, do a little dance, or treat yourself to something sweet. Every step, big or small, deserves its own party!

Feeling inspired? I'd love to hear about your journey and celebrate your steps towards Areté with you! 🌟 Reach out at [email protected] or drop me a message on LinkedIn. Let’s connect and keep this conversation going!

Wrapping Up 💫

Embracing Areté and mastering Targeted Thinking is an ongoing commitment. It's the continual quest to bridge the gap between our current selves and our peak potential. Every diving board moment, whether we leap or hesitate, offers a lesson.

As life unfolds with its highs and lows, remember: every hurdle and victory is a step closer to your Areté. Standing on the diving board of life or in your mind, recall the power of Targeted Thinking. Inhale confidence, channel your Heroic best self, and plunge into the life you've envisioned.

Life's diving boards? They're opportunities in disguise. So, chin up, eyes forward, and take that leap, because the pool of possibilities is limitless. 🌊

Until our next heart-to-heart, remember: Aim high, live authentically, and enjoy every moment of the journey. I believe in you, and I'm here, cheering you on, every splash of the way! 🚀💖

Shine on,
Lori

P.S. Sharing is caring! If you found value in today's insights, chances are someone you know will too! 🌟 Sharing knowledge is one of the simplest ways to make a difference. So, go ahead and pass this along to friends, colleagues, or anyone who might benefit. Let's spread the wisdom of Areté and empower others to navigate their own "diving board" moments with confidence. 💪💌

P.P.S. Curious about the origin of 'Targeted Thinking'? 🌟 I was introduced to this transformative tool during the "300 Day Heroic Coach Certification" program I undertook in 2019, mentored by Brian Johnson. This program was a game-changer for me. Dive into my journey here and learn more about the Heroic coach program here. Feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin? Don't hesitate to reach out at [email protected]. Let's embark on this journey together, create ripples, and inspire change — starting with ourselves, right here, right now! 🔥💪💌