In the last decade there have been many events that have had lasting impact on us a species but there are two that have caught my attention for a particular reason. Both of them are made of incredibly small particles.
1. Eyjafjallajökull- that was the volcano that erupted in April 2010. Whilst the explosion was massive it was the tiny particles of ash that would gather into a plane's engine that could cause engine failure. It grounded flights all across the globe and although it was reasonably short lived, the impact was huge. The particle aggregates had an average size of 85 * µm and the largest were up to 200 µm in diameter, twice the thickness of human hair.
* The symbol for a micron, which is 0.001 mm according to Encyclopedia Brittanica
2. The Coronavirus pandemic
According to reliable scientific sources, the Coronavirus particles (fancy scientific name “virions”) are spheres with diameters of approximately 0.125 microns (125 nm). The smallest particles are 0.06 microns, and the largest are 0.14 microns. Without a shadow of doubt this minuscule particle has caused disruption on a scale hitherto unknown, certainly in my lifetime, and it looks as if it might be around for a while to come. I really don't need to spell it out here. I'm not even going to post a picture of the damn thing. We see it every day on the news. I'm posting a different picture. One of Seaford Head and the Seven Sisters, a photo I took last year. Honestly it is better for the soul:
So what have volcanoes and viruses got to do with N.L.P., coaching and well being?
They are both made of extremely small particles.
Microscopic, but hugely far reaching.
Barely visible and yet significant.
In a previous blog I wrote about micro-actions and this is another take on it. How the smallest of things can ultimately lead to a very large consequence. Please be assured I am looking at the positive side of this! Whilst we are in lockdown what small, microscopic action could you take in order to move towards something much bigger?
It could be putting your trainers on first thing.
It could be leaving that last square of chocolate.
It could be one sentence for your book/blog/dissertation
It could be a phone call to make an appointment
A google search
It could be taking 3 deep breaths
Moving one item of clutter
Another 20 steps
Writing that letter.
Consider how one small action lasting a few moments only has taken up hours/days/ weeks of your thinking time.
Whatever your micro action is keep at it. Consider the time it takes to do, versus the time it takes to think/moan/groan/complain about it.
And wait for the effect.
xx