What’s missing?
Over time, I’ve learned so many different transformational tools, productivity practices, and techniques for creating calm amidst chaos. Piñata Possible is part of my commitment to taking what I have learned, sharing it with others, and making these practices widely accessible and available to those who might benefit from them.
Today, I’d like to share a technique I learned from a transformational coach named Tracy Goss. This tool upgrades the language we use to evaluate the problems and opportunities around us.
𝐊𝐄𝐘 𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄: When working through a challenging situation, instead of asking, “𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨,” try asking, “𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨.”
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨?” can be a question that conditions us to look for problems. The more we search for what’s wrong, the more clearly we will see the gaps, the challenges, and the overwhelm that can come from them.
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨?” is a question that supports us in seeing opportunities to create something new, something that doesn’t exist yet. It’s a question that enables us to be clear-eyed about the challenges and needs while also preparing our brains and our being to take creative action on the solutions.
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨?” can sometimes bring an energy of shame, blame, and judgment with it. It sets us up to find and assign fault to ourselves and to others.
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨?” removes the judgment and helps us get to the heart of the matter by propelling ourselves and our partnerships with others to create the thing that’s missing.
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨?” can keep us in the past.
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨?” can move us into the future.
Here’s an example:
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨?” The plant is dying.
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨?” The plant needs water and probably a little bit of sun.
If you find yourself stuck in the mode of focusing on what’s wrong, try adding the question: “𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨?” and see if it opens up new opportunities for solutions.
Curious about the source?
Tracy Goss’s phenomenal book, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳, contains an incredible wealth of tools and techniques for transformational leadership.
