The weather where I live in the UK has been amazing with many sun-filled days, clear skies and a greater spring in most people’s step. As the season of spring has just started it is a timely reminder that nature is surfacing after what has seemed like a long and very dull winter.

As we really know, nature does not sleep, it merely takes some time out to ‘regroup’ before another busy year ahead. As mentioned elsewhere, the tight darker rings one sees on the cross-section of a cut tree trunk are the winter growing rings; the wider and lighter ones are from the spring and summer.

On the day I took this picture I had met one of my private clients (rather than corporate) for a discussion about their growth. It was an interesting conversation…indeed an interesting client. Someone who had left a powerful and large role in a busy corporate organisation to go freelance and then making the decision to reframe and almost ‘reinvent’ the next years of their life. Dispensing with the need to work, and in so doing, gaining real clarity exploring their next steps. The positive difference in the client’s deportment, language, attitude, self-esteem, smile and more has been so noticeable as they step into what seems like a transformation. Even planning events a year and more away.

When a client thanks me for the work we are doing it almost feels uncomfortable - it is they who have done the thinking, the work, the challenging of themselves; I have merely been asking questions, holding space and accountability, makes suggestions, guiding through models I have developed. It is always a delight to see the results.

Often, as strange as it may seem, I may not wish to know the details of their deliberations. Over the years I have been working with clients I have learnt that even in a strictly confidential space, such as the one I have with my clients, I do not want them to feel constrained by concerns about their thoughts. There is no right or wrong – any hesitance can ruin what may be one of the best decisions they will make. I make no judgement…but how often do we become concerned what others may say, or think, and hold back or try to impress? More often than we realise is my answer.

The place we met is a lovely old manor house…deliberately chosen. As I was leaving, I noticed the steps up to the winding path. A glimpse of more in the distance. The well-trimmed trees. The yellow pop of colour from the spring daffodils.

Sometimes we need to ‘step up’ to make a change, it may not be a large flight of steps where the view is hidden or unknow. It may, as in this case be a gentle flight. In both cases change makes the difference.

From countless conversations over the years, I have noticed too few people are prepared to take even small steps to create a new dimension to their lives, yet will spend more time moaning to anyone who will listen about what is wrong in their life. (Often, I will have made some supportive comment – few have even taken a note to follow up.) All too soon the number of people who will listen reduces as they avoid the moaning; else they join in and create a ‘pity party’ where it feels safe to remain moaning.

At least on this day I had a client who was prepared to push outside their comfort zone, into their stretch zone – or learning zone. Age is irrelevant for this by the way.

I am sure you have met people who have mentally retired at 35 years old but who do not actually retire until they are 65.

As Benjamin Franklin rather cruelly once said:

“Some people die at 25 and aren’t buried until 75.”

For certain the way my client had embraced the possibility of change and is busy making those changes is wonderful. I saw them walk to their car with a real spring in their step, a keenness to take their next steps. I am looking forward to our next meeting to see what else they have achieved and planned…it will be interesting for sure!

Now what steps are you going to take to add that extra spring in your step?

My best wishes,

Peter