Barriers

Barriers by David Regler

The concept of a “breakthrough” is nothing new. It’s a term used in coaching and is a great metaphor for change. So what exactly are you breaking through? And what will you find when you get through whatever barrier is in your way?

These may seem like playful questions and as you consider them fully in this exercise you may begin to understand why it is such an attractive concept to so many people.

When people think of making a breakthrough in their personal or business lives, there is an implied belief that something is stopping them. As I talk with my clients about this they typically use language like “I can’t see past it…” or “I’m really blocked…” or “I need to find a way through”.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, where you know something is stopping you, even if you don’t know what it is, then why not do something different and play with the following exercise. By using imagery and symbolism you can get past your limiting belief without actually confronting it. There’s nothing new in this; this tip was inspired by an old Shamanic tradition I heard from Serge Kahili King, world-renowned author and expert in Hawaiian Huna.

Take some time to get relaxed in whatever way works for you. Begin to imagine the outcome you want. It doesn’t matter how clear the picture is, just that you know. Now, in front of your outcome, you can let your mind create a barrier. It could be a huge wall, or a lake with alligators, or thicket of brambles... whatever comes to mind, make it as hard to pass as is right for you at this time.

You can begin to imagine yourself breaking through this barrier like you are there right now. It may help to bring in some sounds, and act it out physically. Make it a struggle, but one that you are winning. You may find that your imagination surprises you with how you do this. Are you going to scale the wall or smash right through? Will you leap the lake in one bound or run across the alligators snapping heads? What tool will help you cut a path through thicket of brambles, or perhaps you can use your hands?

While you are doing this notice how it feels in your body. How good does it feel when you’ve reached your outcome? What has changed? What are you aware of now? Don’t expect an answer or solution consciously right away, unless that happens. Simply relax and begin to notice how different you feel about your outcome and wonder how long it will be before the changes you have made at an unconscious level will move you closer to the things that you want.

David Regler 's profile on the executive and business coaching network.