Wrestling with Your Approach to a Challenge? No Problem. Go Snowshoeing.


Here in the Northeast, we’ve been the recipients of an abundance of snow. It provides a beautiful landscape, opportunity for great recreation, and insight in approaching work challenges.

Yes, that’s right. Snow is offering up assistance to work challenges – and I’m not talking taking the day off because there’s too much of this white fluffy stuff in your driveway. What I mean is that the snow encourages us to get out of our routine, day-to-day activities, open our eyes, and let our mind wander.Snow Cat

Take a look at these two photos to the right; they are pictures of the same pile of snow. From one direction, the snow resembles a cat of the ferocious variety. From another angle, though, this clump of snow looks more like a sea lion or walrus. How many of your challenges at work could benefit from being seen through a different lens? Do a little upfront analysis by:

  1. Having a conversation or two with people from other departments.
  2. Collecting input from current and/or prospective clients.
  3. Gaining insight of advisors who have
    been there, done that.Snow Walrus

Taking a literal seat on the other side of the table will help you:

  1. See things from others’ prospective / point of view.
  2. Identify opportunities you hadn’t realized existed.
  3. Visualize impact of your actions.
  4. Reduce trial and error.
  5. Minimize unintended consequences.
  6. Eliminate poor choices.
  7. Build a coalition of support within your team / organization.
  8. Map out strategic / purposeful path.
  9. Position yourself to respond to unintended consequences.
  10. Accomplish your goals more efficiently.

Go sit in someone else’s chair, go snowshoeing, have a conversation with a co-worker or colleague; and see how your perspective changes.

Let me know how you make sure you get the input you need to meet a challenge.

Wrestling with Your Approach to a Challenge? No Problem. Go Snowshoeing. was last modified: February 9th, 2015 by Deb Nelson
My greatest joy is helping people kick their old habits to the curb to live their best life. As an integrative nutrition health coach, I support people in individual and group settings as they set and achieve health goals. Healthy living starts now.