This exercise is an individual application of the ‘yes, and…’ principle and requires a quiet reflective atmosphere.
You need a pen and paper.
Step 1. Reflect on an issue in your personal or professional life that you would really like to change. Complete the following sentence:
Concerning this issue, I really want … (fill in what it is that you want to see happen).
But… (list one to 3 things that are in the way of you achieving this outcome – things that are blocking or frustrating your efforts).
Step 2. Cross out the ‘But’ and replace it with the word ‘and’. Now the obstacles become mere conditions for the solution, they are no longer blocks.
Step 3. Complete a final sentence:
So what if … (what alternatives can you think of that accepts the conditions for the solution.)
Example 1
Step 1.
I really want to read more in order to keep up to date and in step with developments in my field
But I have no time
Step 2.
I really want to read more in order to keep up to date and in step with developments in my field
But AND I have no time to read
Step 3
So what if I get some audio books and listen in my car, or while I do the disches.
Example 2(actual example from a workshop participant)
As the event co-ordinator of a large networking evening, I really want my guests to feel at home and set the scene for a wonderful event. I also want to enjoy the event myself.
But AND I am not a good speaker, my hands shake and I am afraid I will forget important information. I stress so much that the whole evening is a blur usually.
So what if I rehearse a short welcoming speech to set the scene and then get an MC to co-ordinate the rest of the event, so I can sit back and enjoy it.