I read the brilliant book Peaks and Valleys by Spencer Johnson about a year ago and absolutely loved it. There were so many great lessons and the way in which the story is told makes it a very easy read. I believe it is a must read for anyone who seeks personal or professional growth.
As you can gather by the title of the book, it is about the high and low points in life and business and what bring you there. The book is about reflection, awareness, and action to move from the Valley to the Peak.
At the beginning of this year, as with every year I have been in business, I looked at how I could make a positive difference in peoples lives. I am doing more volunteering, more relationship building, and working at reaching a broader audience via networking and group coaching.
Three weeks into 2011 I picked up Peaks and Valleys and re-read all the things I highlighted. The lessons were as impactful this time as the first time I read the book but in a different way. In a more “meaningful NOW” kind of way.
After extracting the lessons, pondering a bit, and then applying my strategy for using them here is what I discovered for my coaching practice
- What moves me to a Peak does not change – it is about being present and connecting with people.
- What moves me to a Valley does not changed either – it is about being concerned more with the outcome than the process. (ie Being focused on the wrong thing)
- No matter if I am in a Peak or Valley or somewhere in between, when I recognize where I am and where I want to be, finding the right approach comes from looking forward instead of looking back.
What are the things that move you to your peaks or valleys?
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