Think Like a Juggler - Lesson Two (of a series)

Celebrate Your Drops

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I have taught thousands of people to juggle all over the world. Regardless of age, gender, or nationality, the key that makes all the difference and determines success or failure is the approach to learning. Some excitedly attack the challenge. Others, at the moment of the first inevitable drop, exclaim "See, I told you I couldn't do it!" They become highly emotional, taking the drop as a personal failure. This perspective often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, all but assuring the student will make little or no further progress.

The experienced juggler looks at drops differently- with an objective view and a sense of curiosity. He or she asks questions: Why did the drop happen? Where is the breakdown? What did I do wrong? What adjustment do I need to make before I try it again? Is there someone I can watch who does it correctly? Or, better yet, is there someone who is knowledgeable who can observe me and offer a few tips?

Every action creates a result. If we watch the result and observe the outcome, we realize that life's "drops" are an essential part of the process for improvement. Drops are a huge opportunity to grow, as long as we are willing to make adjustments and try again. And again. And again. You get the idea.

While every case is unique, we can anticipate some of the usual suspects- the predictable factors that can trigger mistakes. And, wouldn't you know, you can remember these causes with a useful acronym: DROPS.

Distractions- These are the internal and external forces that pull our focus away from our goals. Distractions are disruptive, momentum-breaking, and destructive to your achievements and self-expression. If you are to be a goal achiever, you must minimize your distractions, or they will minimize you.

Rushing Your Pace- It's not all about speed. It's about accuracy. Often times, when practicing juggling and experiencing drops, I find this is the problem. In the flurry of activity I sometimes sacrifice precision for pace. The many objects (or objectives) of life create the same effect- there is so much going on (truly an unlimited supply of activity), you'll never do it all. You can, however, experience greater control by slowing down to get it right the first time.

Obsolete Habits- It can be extremely difficult to let go of what might have worked for you in the past. Yet, as we evolve and change, taking on new roles and responsibilities, the process of shedding obsolete habits (those of both thought and action) is a regular part of life- one that is vital to your well being. Regularly examine your assumptions and find out if they are still valid. It could just be that the thing that is causing you to make mistakes now used to be just the thing that once made your life easier.

Panic- This can be one of the most debilitating of all obstacles. In panic, you are paralyzed with fear and incapable of rational thoughts. Obviously, this is not the most opportune time to juggle- or do anything else, for that matter. Any actions you take in this state will be purely emotional or reactive behaviors. This is why, at the onset of panic, we should disengage from what we are doing and get a fresh perspective. Develop a method for refocusing and regaining control of your emotions. This routine may include deep breathing, positive affirmations, physical activity, or complete stillness. Experiment to discover what works for you.

Self Doubt- It's impossible to act in a manner inconsistent with your thinking. If you are thinking about doubts or fears, you will act accordingly, sabotaging your success or, at the very least, settling for less than you are capable of achieving. When I teach juggling, I invariably have someone in the audience who, after making his or her first three catches, wants to stop so that there is no further risk of failure (dropping). Don't limit your potential before you begin. Suspend your disbelief and take action without prejudging your abilities.

Time for Action

1. Think about a time when you "dropped the ball," making an error in judgment or execution that resulted in undesirable consequences. What was your reaction when it happened? Did you retreat to safety, abandoning your future attempts, or learn from your drop and try again with a new approach?

2. Looking back from today's perspective, what is the most valuable lesson you learned from that mistake?

3. Which of the above causes of DROPS are most likely to cause you to lose your focus and make an unforced error? What adjustments can you make to circumvent those traps when they appear... or, better yet, before they happen?

Remember that last month's lesson was to "Keep Looking Up." Well, that advice goes for your drops, as well. When experiencing a set back, look up to get the big picture. Stay positive, realizing that most of life's more meaningful achievements require multiple attempts. Figure it out. Make an adjustment, then try again with confidence. When you do, you will create new results. As you learn from your drops and make steady progress, you become the architect of your life masterpiece, and that is truly something to celebrate!

Your partner in action,

Dan