We live in a society obsessed with achievement and success. We measure our self worth based on meeting goals and expectation, but I personally believe that in the midst of our striving, we lose out on the little moments that also define our lives – Breakthroughs.
As you know, I am a Personal Development Professional, so words like “breakthrough” and “growth” are feature regularly in my vocabulary. However, I don’t just say this for the sake of it. I believe strongly in it because I experience it regularly, and I see the same for people around me all the time.
Recently I was discussing with the Vice President of my Toastmasters Club. We have the issue of members signing up enthusiastically, deliver a speech or two, and then “disappear”. Why do people lose steam in their journey of personal growth? I don’t think it’s a matter of lack of motivation, they already are motivated. It is more of an issue of momentum, and it is because of how they frame their experiences.
I feel that sometimes, people belittle their achievements. Take the Toastmasters for example, a platform for people to gain confidence and skills in public speaking and communication. Before the first speech, a toastmaster (let’s call him John Doe) is a bundle of nerves. A five to seven minute speech later, he is already a different person. Unnerving as the experience has been, he has done it! However, John later shrugs off compliments by saying “It was just okay”. He goes home, say not a word of it to his wife and family, and the next morning, he goes to work and life continues. John’s moment of breakthrough is reduced to “just another task” which he did “just okay”. Without the acknowledgement and celebration of his breakthrough or “minor miracle”, how could he have the confidence and momentum to take with him to the next speech or task?
People achieve breakthroughs all the time, but they don’t celebrate and acknowledge themselves enough. Think about it, you are not the same person after you’ve given your first speech in public as compared to before. Look at where you are today, and think of where you would be if you had not achieved all breakthroughs in various stages of your life? When was your first time approaching the opposite sex to chat, to ask for a number or a date? Your first successful job interview? Your first sale? These are all breakthroughs, without which you wouldn’t be where you are today.
I have celebrated many breakthroughs just recently. I silently acknowledge recently when I reacted with composure to a verbal attack when I would have responded angrily in the past. I used to think of myself as “thin-skinned” when it comes to bargaining, but recently I managed to ask for, and receive a discount on my visit to a dessert café. Now, I really get what it means by “Ask and you shall receive.” I also celebrated the first dollar I made online, my first paid speaking assignment, completing the first chapter of my book.
Have you had any breakthroughs this week? No matter how big or trivial it may sound, they are all breakthroughs in your thinking, in your actions and consequently in your results. Big breaks like that million dollar opportunity don’t just happen serendipitously, or at least not likely. It is through consistent and constant breakthroughs that the biggest successes in life are achieved.
Have you had any Breakthroughs this week?
Article contributed by Coen Tan, who is the Immediate Past President of Tampines Changkat Toastmasters Club. He is a trainer, speaker and coach who is passionate about helping people achieve personal growth and breakthroughs in their relationships, career and life. He can be reached at coen@ministry-of-influence.com or visit his blog athttp://coentan.com
