Most of us want to make changes in our lives. In fact, the whole mission of Soul Geography is to develop and practice new ways to live and be in the world, ways of being that closely align with our truest, most essential nature and desires. This is my whole job as a life coach. But changes and next life steps are challenging, and by far the most effective strategy I have found when tackling big change is something in coaching we call turtle steps.
Turtle steps are tasks that are so small and easy to complete, you can do them on your worst day. The reason most of us have challenges with big tasks or changes is because we are likely bumping up against some emotional state it brings up in us, like fear, confusion, shame, anger or anxiety, and it’s this emotional state that keeps us from doing the things we most truly want.
The reason turtle steps are so effective is because they honor our nervous system. Taking tiny turtle steps past our comfort zone or routine can help recondition our amygdala, the fear response part of our brain that has developed to keep us safe and has memorized a lifetime of emotional responses. These old, outdated responses get in our way when it comes to developing new ways to live in the world. Everyone’s amygdala has developed to protect them from threats, and because each and everyone of us has a unique map of life experiences, what triggers my amygdala may not trigger yours. That’s why everyone’s turtle steps are unique to them, and you should never compare your turtle steps to someone else’s.
“Do not be in so much of a hurry. At no day, no hour, no time are you required to do more than you can do in peace.”
Melodie Beattie
I’m in the middle of a huge life change, shifting from a career of teaching to life coaching. It’s a change I never thought I’d make, but my essential self kept pulling me in this direction. It even knew when I was 18 years old and decided to major in psychology, in addition to education. This identity shift has been uncomfortable and setting up a business is challenging, but every time I sit down with a client I am energized and reminded why I made the shift, no matter how much I keep bumping up against fear and confusion about this new path. What has helped me time and time again throughout this challenge are my small goals, and the tiny, tiny turtle steps I take towards them, creeping into the edges of my discomfort zone, bit by bit, day by day.
So what about you? Is there a change you’d like to make, or a big project you’d like to tackle this year? What is the smallest step possible you can make today, on the path towards it?
Soul Geography 