I was inspired by this sculpture I saw a while ago whilst I was out on an annual walk for the charity – Meningitis Now. A charity I have been involved with for many years. The event was the 5-Valleys Walk, which is a long walk. Instead of walking along 5 valleys you go down and up, crossing over into 5 valleys. Much more challenging than I thought the 21 miles would be the first time I did it many years ago.
One year we had the wonderful opportunity of walking through a sculpture park. One of the magnificent creations is in the picture you see. I thought it appropriate for 29 February, custom would have it that it is the one day in the year women can propose marriage. Whether this has stood the test of time we will, no doubt, find out in the news and papers, or even through conversation over the coming days. I am sure that the relationship between the couple on the bench in the picture has not changed – it is for you to conjure up the image in your mind of what you see. That being the tease, the beauty of art – it is our imagination that is required to create any story.
My ‘take’ on the sculpture, today, is less about a romantic couple; more about a perfect setting for a great coaching conversation. Especially as the view in the opposite direction is magnificent, stretching to a far horizon. Allowing deeper discoveries to form in our minds eye.
So irrespective as to whether the tradition has been followed, it got me thinking about the cycles in our lives. Every four years we have a leap year. Every four years we have the Olympics. I am sure there are many more four yearly events. But what about the four years that have slipped under our bridge of life in that time? Four years, irreplaceable years, gone.
We focus on the new year for our resolutions for the forthcoming year….often with resolutions only lasting a short time. We focus on a yearly plan for our business. Maybe we even have an annual development plan for ourselves.
So what about a four year plan? When we are young, four years seems like an age, yet as we grow older we often hear the comment ‘where did the time go?’. If you are 18 and just leaving school to embark upon a four year degree course you get on with it. It is valuable as part of the future direction of your career, seldom do we have responsibilities, or the increasing weight that we allow to gather on our shoulders as the years add up. I have heard many people, who are older, say that they won’t start something because it will take too long. I have news for you – the time will pass anyway. Looking forward with optimism and excitement is much the better option, compared with looking back with regret. Inactivity, indecision and drifting are major pitfalls of developed countries – in less developed countries there is seldom the choice.
So one simple question that may need some real thinking to come up with your own answer:
- What would you love to look back on in four years time and say “WOW, I did it!!” Rather than “Oh, I wish I’d done it”.
Go on then – the time will pass anyway.
Now think; if you were one of the two sculpture sitting on that bench, and if the other ‘person’ were your coach; what achievements would you have to share in four years time with the coach who helped you shape your future?
The power of having a great coach means the conversation will be fantastic!
My best wishes,
Peter
PS Need someone to help and hold you accountable?
