Alignment comes from consistently being on purpose and functioning according to our values. For example, when we know our purpose (or the purpose of the goals we have set) in any given situation we have the choice to align our actions to that purpose so to achieve our goals and fulfil our intentions. It is about aligning behaviours, decisions, words, and actions with our purpose. It is literally moving into life in alignment which gives us the moment to fulfil our purpose.
Achievement flows out of Alignment
If we learn to track alignment, instead of achievement, how the success rate of our goals would change? This is a lesson I had to learn recently as I picked up surfing. My success rate in taking off (standing on the surf board) was very low the more I focused on achieving that. Till my teacher told me “Stop fighting with the waves…align with them”. These are the lessons I learnt (as a newbie surfer) on alignment:
Before speaking, pushing away, resisting or, reacting to someone or something rocking your "alignment" feel your feet.
Establish a felt sense of connecting your sight to the shore (your destination/purpose) and your feet to the board (what grounds you).
Ask yourself "What do I need to let go to find the courage to stand up on the board and ride to the beach?
How do we then align the "drive for results" with the ability to "listen in"? It is the question you are probably asking now. It is by cultivating an adaptive mindset and behaviour that allow us to adjust to changing conditions. Only then we can find alignment to then lose it again, ready for another wave. An adaptive mindsets drives on inquiry. Inquiry becomes the wide space for practicing presence with all of our senses. This is the space from which innovation, insight and artistic creation come.
As adults we feel established, we know things, we master tasks and, it is not easy to cultivate an adaptive mindset. Do you remember when you were a kid and you were a beginner at everything and as a result asked a lot of questions (shameless)?
Kids master adaptive mindset and practice alignment in a way that is light, creative, intuitive.
Then we grow up and become less adaptive… More rigid. I invite you to inquire on the possibility of achieving whatever is that you seek rather than by fighting against the waves by aligning with them. These are some of the self-reflection questions you can explore:
If you focused on alignment instead of achievement what would change in why, what and how you do things?
If you were to focus on alignment rather than achievement what goals will you let go of?
If you were to align your work to your goals and/or align your goals to your work what would you create?
It’s not just a matter of words’s choice it’s the direction of your life.
If you’re interested to learn more about our knowledge and experience and discuss how we could help through our consultancy, workshops, and talks, drop us a line at fateme@rnewb.com. Consider also subscribing to the newsletter to stay updated on receive weekly inspiration.