“THE OLD MAN KNEW”

Key steps in planning ahead

1. The wider picture

When looking ahead, and planning changes it can be tempting to dive straight in with a list of goals and aims. Sometimes, taking a pause and looking at the wider picture and from a different perspective can give insight, and lead to a wiser decision.

2. Accepting what we don’t know

In many cultures, industries and colleges knowledge is prized and not knowing viewed negatively. However, not knowing can leave space for new ideas. Admitting to not knowing gives space to learn.

3. Lifetime of Experience

In the story, the fisherman had a lifetime of experience of the sea and fishing, but he did not know what the day would bring. He just knew he was going far out. Having confidence with the experience you have so far, trusting yourself and your abilities, and being open to possibility.

4. Practical, writing this down

<INSERT NAME> knew

Try this exercise based on your experience and abilities. For example,

Maria knew that she could lead, calm, adapt, support, weather, focus, get tired, have enough, have had enough, have expectations, analyse, adapt (again), order, plan, create, imagine, give time, love, see things differently, question, judge, let go of judgement, care, empathise, sympathise, have values, be afraid, be brave.

And I don’t know.

if this year will be what I hope for, and if this business will follow the path I have thought of

5. A little bit about fear

Seems to be the point fear comes in. I don’t know. All the possibilities of it going wrong, being out of control. Watching children and adults learning to ski exposes this so clearly.

What if I fall? What if I can’t stop? Who will help me? What if I fall down a cliff? What if everyone goes too fast and leaves me behind?

Interesting to observe that adults and children can have similar and different fears. Adults may worry “What if I get injured and can’t work?” I have not heard a child say “What if I can’t go to school?” We can only fear things within our imagination and experience, and it doesn’t always reflect reality. What if you let this go?

6. Moving forward

The last part of the practical exercise is to summarise what you have and that you are open to learning as you move forward. For example

The creativity, imagination and experience are part of me and stay with me as I move forward with a willingness to learn and be open.