We all have stories we tell over and over. Stories about who we are, what we do, what has happened. Some of these are more helpful to us than others, and some are more helpful in particular contexts. Sometimes we get stuck, and it’s hard to see what to do next.

Images are particularly helpful in getting unstuck. When we respond verbally to visual inputs we can often see things in new ways.

Feeling stuck mid-career

Michele Martin is a consultant who works in the workforce development and career counseling areas. Just before the end of the year we did a session using VisualsSpeak’s new online ImageCenter. She agreed to having the session recorded and shared here.

The first thing I did was to ask her about where she is and about her feeling stuck. Here is the conversation we had about her situation (just under 5 minutes.)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Exploring with images

I asked Michele to log in to our online ImageCenter, where she was able to select images in response to the question I selected for her:

What is my ideal work?

She created the image below in less than 5 minutes.

Next, I asked her to tell me the story of her images. Here is the beginning of the conversation where we talked about the style of work she likes to do (just over 5 minutes.)

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

In the next part of the conversation, I guide Michele back to the images. We go back and forth between talking about and looking at the images. Several insights emerged from the 16 minutes.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Starting to make changes

Insights can be helpful, but taking action as a result of the insights is what begins to get us unstuck. In the last 10 minutes of the session, we worked to make a plan to start shifting the work Michele is doing.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Images spark different things than words

This process isn’t about giving up words, not at all. It’s just utilizing the ability of images to add different kinds of information to the mix. It offers the potential to quickly get underneath some of the thoughts that are holding us back.

Want to see how you can work with images online?

Would you like to use this tool with people in your life?

In the next few weeks, we’ll be doing free online demonstrations of the ImageCenter. You can see how it works from  the facilitators side and get to participate in a group exercise. There are sessions on the following days:

February 9, 2011    12:00 – 1:00 PM PST
February 10, 2011    8:30 – 9: 30 AM PST
February 15, 2011     3:30 – 4:30 PM PST
February 17, 2011    12:00 – 1:00 PM PST
February 18, 2011    8:30 – 9: 30 AM PST
to convert  for your timezone

To register, go to the VisualsSpeak  sign up page.

Keeping the focus afar

I’m in the part of the week where I have lots of things I think I need to do, so it’s getting harder to give myself permission to take time for creative pursuits. I’m also finding it interesting to listen to the people around me. Most of them reinforce the notion of I should get my ‘real work’ done. No wonder it’s so hard.

I’ve been trying to keep my focus far away, on the long term vision. Getting things done in the day to day, but keeping an eye on the ultimate goal, which includes my creative work.

I like to hear your comments and stay in touch.
I’m working on a new series of tools for personal and professional development. To be the first to know about them and introductory specials, sign up to be on the Early Explorer list.

Supporters

A few months ago one of my core customers/supporters/coaches/friends asked what might seem to be a simple question:

Who are the people who care if your business (VisualsSpeak) lives or dies?

It was in the context of brainstorming ways to gather a brain trust of people to help me get beyond my own limitations and blind spots. I’m at a point where the business needs to move beyond my personal network.

This question evoked thinking about who cares not just about me, but who cares about the concepts and ideas of using visual tools to move beyond where you are now? Who can connect the ideas to the larger world?

Layers of connection

I had a developer group when I was designing the original visual tools. They were instrumental in helping me see what I was creating from their content specialties perspectives. As the business has developed,  layers of people have connected to it. I have the core team at the center working on the operations of the business. There is a group writing content, customers using the tools, people who read the newsletter, followers on Facebook and Twitter, connections on Linkedin.

Looking for the wise ones to gather

I feel blessed to have amazing people in my network. When they gather there is an energy and excitement that naturally erupts, almost an instant synergy. This painting is an affirmation for assembling a core group to bring their visions and connections together to help me see how to reach out to help more people. Or perhaps to find a new form to carry my gifts into the world?

I like to hear your comments and stay in touch.
I’m working on a new series of tools for personal and professional development. To be the first to know about them and introductory specials, sign up to be on the Early Explorer list.