Showing posts with label action. Show all posts
Showing posts with label action. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Aikido Principles--Insights for Action and Improving Results

Aikido principles are often symbolized by three shapes.  A square means "defend."  A triangle means "attack."  A circle means "flow."

Applying these principles on a daily basis when dealing with challenges that present themselves can help provide greater insight and improve results.


 How we react to challenges is often a habit.  For some, when asked to do something, the first reaction is to refuse (defend) (square shape).  This can lead to justifications of why we cannot or will not do what is asked.  For others, the first reaction is to attack (triangle shape)--self or others. (For example, asking questions like "Why do you want me to do that?  Why are you picking on me?")  A third response is to flow (circle).  This is usually the most creative resonse and can lead to the most significant improvements.   Any one of the three reactions can be appropriate, given the right circumstances.  If we want to build a positive habit and to see more positive results in our life, we need to develop the habit of reacting by moving to flow.

One example of moving to flow happened to me two days ago.  I was asked to submit a publication dealing with human computer interface.  While I had published related working papers, I didn't have one available on that topic.  Rather than to react with defend or attack, I chose flow and wrote a paper based on work I have been doing for the past few years.  I need to do more research and to revise the paper before submitting it for distribution. By reacting with flow to the challenge, I created a new opportunity to publish research and to share learning with others.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Success Comes from Small Choices for Positive Action

We make small choices every day that lead to the harvest we experience in our lives on a daily basis.  We often make these choices without thinking.  Should I stay in bed just five minutes more in the morning?  Should I show my family I love and value them as I run out the door to work or to school?  Should I use my time wisely in traffic?  Should I exercise in ways that promote the health of my body?  Should I eat in ways that promote the health of my body?  What is my purpose?  Is the work I do aligned with my purpose?  If not, what should I do about that?

I enjoy water aerobics and, more recently, aqua pilates.  I try to get to the indoor pool every day for some healthy exercise.  I'm also watching what I eat, making more healthy choices--though not yet at 100%.  Recently I had an opportunity to look at some work opportunities that were not fully aligned with my purpose in life and was able to redirect my action away from opportunities that go against my values.