Hey there, it’s Dennis.
In today’s issue:
How drift slowly pulls us off our chosen path
Why autopilot feels safe but erodes purpose
The hidden cost of postponing decisions
How presence and the H.E.A.R.T. framework help you reclaim your story
The Life You’re Not Living
I sat there at my desk, staring at the spreadsheet on one monitor and a never ending stream of emails on the other monitor. It had easily been 2 hours, or more, since the last time I stood up from my chair.
I had been busy, working steadily, and yet, I felt no real connection to what I was doing. I was going through the motions, unmotivated and yet showing up every day repeating the sequence.
In a moment of self-reflection I recalled the concept of writing your story from the book Taming Tigers by Jim Lawless. Looking back several years and then thinking ahead to the years yet to come; I had to acknowledge that I was not writing my own story.
The metaphorical Tiger had a firm grasp on the pen and was writing a story that was not aligned to the story of my dreams. I had given up decision making and with it, control of my life.
Drift
When we slowly, subtlety, quietly move from our chosen path
One postponed decision, one delayed action, one choice at a time
The Tiger slowly takes control
The path is no longer the one we chose
Our purpose is eroded and ultimately our dream is paused and replaced
I had become so accustomed to a routine that I didn’t even realize what had happened.
I woke up at the same time Monday–Friday, same route to work, same cup of coffee while checking email, home at the same time, dinner, TV, sleep and repeat. All geared toward making it to the weekend where I could finally have time for me.
Except, the weekend arrived and there was lawn to be mowed, a house to clean, laundry to be washed, etc. etc.
DRIFT IS LIVING ON AUTOPILOT WHILE CALLING IT STABILITY
Let’s be clear this is not about there being something wrong with me, with you or with anyone who has fallen into a routine they did not want due to drift.
It doesn’t mean you’re lazy, ungrateful, or failing at life.
It simply means that you adapted and you did what made sense at the time. Unconsciously drifting one decision at a time.
ADAPTATION WITHOUT INTENTION IS SELF-BETRAYAL
Then faced with the prospect of change, it simply became easier to avoid that challenge and continue down the path you were on.
The cost wasn’t simply missed opportunities and experiences. The cost was a loss of self-trust, you no longer believed you were capable of the path of your dreams.
So why try?
Why not just stay on the safe, comfortable and familiar path you were on, with its illusion of purpose and success?
Because your purpose has been waiting for your attention!
PRESENCE STOPS DRIFT
Pause long enough to reconnect with your H.E.A.R.T.
H – Honor Your Truth: Be honest about what isn’t working
E – Envision the Future: What’s calling you forward
A – Activate Awareness: Interrupting autopilot
R – Rise with Resolve: Change doesn’t require force — just commitment
T – Turn Power into Practice: Purpose rebuilt through action
ELIMINATE THE GAP
The gap between who you are and who you could be was created through drift.
Refocusing through reconnection and alignment to purpose closes the gap; one decision, one action at a time.
It’s time for you take back your story, to write yourself as the main character and with each stroke of the pen to live the life you were meant to live.
It’s time for you to Shape Your Passion!
Awakening Presence.
Restoring Connection.
Silencing the Tiger.
Quote of The Week:
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” — Anonymous
Have you ever noticed that voice that reverberates in your head the minute you consider a new experience or an action to make your dreams a reality? The one that seems to whisper “You’re not ready” or shouts “What if you fail?”
That is the Tiger that I refer to and the idea of creating the metaphor for the Tiger came from Jim Lawless in his book, Taming Tigers.
It’s fear and self-doubt dressed up as protection, convincing us to stay safe instead of stepping forward and growing. The Tiger is loud, convincing and relentless, but here’s the truth: it only has the power we give it.
Every time you step forward in spite of that roar, you weaken its grip and strengthen your own. That is what Tiger Letters are all about, sharing knowledge, experience, fears and inner strength to make your dreams a reality.
So, the next time your Tiger ROARS, smile at it, step forward reclaiming your power and break through the fear barrier into your growth zone.
Before you go, here is ONE way you can work with me.
Book your FREE Kickstart Call with me - 1:1 performance coaching to help you break through fear, self-doubt, and procrastination—so you can finally move forward with clarity, confidence, and courage.
Until next time!
The Tiger Is Inside You.