Photo by the author
Like the constant pounding of the surf, we may find ourselves being “pounded”. Numerous demands, and pressures may take their toll. For many, the solution is to engage in “personal drift.” The results of this can lead to more problems than the original pressures that created it.
The precursors to “drift” –
- Overcommitment
- We’re too over-involved in things that don’t really matter
- We’re being confronted by things that overwhelm us, or scare us emotionally (we’re in over our heads)
- Lack of skill – we don’t know what we’re doing
- We have lost our passion
The “drift” – What happens:
- Avoidance
- Engaging in easy, but inconsequential activities or projects
- Falling short on our requirements of our job
- Engaging in destructive personal behaviors
- “Emotional Amnesia” – we disconnect
The drift is subtle, slow and happens without much fanfare or notice. Co-workers, family members, and others around us notice our tendency to be distant, irritable, insensitive, and not at our best. Our workplace may notice a slow drift away from the standards of practice that we were accustomed. Our emotional amnesia becomes a constant defense against the outside world of the pounding surf. It is hard to extract ourselves from this pattern.
With many the results are:
- Poor health, constant illness, and emotional resentment
- Missed opportunities in life
Ways of recognizing when you’re drifting: Ongoing self assessment. There are countless ways to self assess, and many of them are basic. Journaling, using a Moleskine, obtaining regular feedback, and exercise are just the common approaches. Others can include the following simple self assessment:
- What standards do I subscribe to?
- How do I feel?
- Where am I, in respect to where I want to be?
In other words, the solution is right in front of you. Pulling up the blinders periodically is a great place to start. The questions are really internal. We already have the answers inside us, but are sometimes too afraid to ask them.
Reaching A Higher Level 