Order of Operations.
Learning the algebra of life.
I don’t remember much from high school math. But for some reason, I remember the order of operations from Algebra 1 (thank you, Mr. Hansen).
Remember the acronym PEMDAS? It stands for Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction.
(Parentheses first.)
Whichever part of the equation is between parentheses must be solved first. Always. Without exception. Otherwise you get the wrong answer.
The farther I get from freshman year, the more I realize that life comes with its own order of operations. And the parentheses — the things that must be solved for first — include:
knowing your non-negotiables
identifying your values
establishing a self-concept outside of what others think
Path clearing before goal setting.
When working with coaching clients, we rarely attempt to set goals and timelines right out of the gate. Usually we need to sort through some limiting beliefs first.
What this looks like in practice is rewinding the tape on recent setbacks or frustrations, not with an eye towards someone to blame, but with an eye towards something to reconcile.
A triggering situation? Likely one of your core values has been trespassed upon.
Why didn’t I speak up in that meeting when fairness is one of my top 5 values?!
Disappointment in a decision? Likely one of your non-negotiables was ignored.
Why did I RSVP yes when I know Sundays are family time?!
Playing small? Likely a fear of being unliked for wanting too much.
Why am I stuck in this dead-end role when I know I could’ve gone for that promotion?!
Then we’re off to solving for x. And x, my friend, is YOU. Your next steps, decisions, goals and dreams. A delicious calculation if ever there was one.
Until next time, remember that creativity knows no bounds.