Dear Shirley
The pandemic thrust us into a digital world where we had to adapt our skills for a virtual audience. Although it was daunting, I was soon in a routine of delivering as many as three Zoom sessions in a working day.
Having worked from home for so long, I’m now finding it quite a challenge to maintain the energy levels required for travel and face to face delivery.
What advice would you give to someone like me to ensure that I’m delivering at my maximum?
I absolutely recognise this as I’m feeling the same and it’s got me thinking of the example of the Backwards Brain Bicycle.
Many of you will be familiar with the video clip. In it, Destin chooses to learn to ride a bike which is rigged, so it moves in the opposite direction to where he intends it to.
Essentially, it’s about learning something new, that’s perhaps a little odd and different to begin with, and then having to return to normal.
The pandemic forced us to learn new digital skills and it isn’t so easy to click back into the normal routine. Just as Destin struggled to ride a conventional bike again, some of us are finding it challenging to return to our ‘normal’. That too takes effort and concentration.
I believe the first thing to address is the question of our own physical and mental wellbeing.
As a virtual coach, there are downtimes when delivering, that allow us to catch our breath. We can choose to do things for ourselves, such as going for a walk or making a personal appointment.
What did you do to protect your wellbeing, when you were working away in the past? Are returning to those good habits?
The first challenge I faced when I was asked to facilitate some classroom training was that supposedly simple task of packing, I went to my “ready for travel draw” to find it completely empty. Panic button pressed immediately followed by frantic organising and hunting for those comfortable but smart shoes.
The training was over a three-day period. Although it didn’t require a long-haul flight, so I wasn’t dealing with time zone changes, I still noticed that my mindset was not as it used to be.
Applying the ABC model: with the activating event being facing a room of expectant people for the first time in 2 years. I realised that I had quite a few self-limiting beliefs in action. My internal voice was at full volume.
“I’m not safe here”, “I am bound to catch Covid”, “I won’t be able to capture their interest”, “I’m so out of practice this is going to be awful”.
I was nervous, jumpy, more reserved than usual and as I didn’t want to shake hands with anyone, I clutched my leader guide as if it was a lifebuoy.
This was the time to make a conscious decision to change my emotional state.
So, I took a deep breath, I went back in time to remember the best times I had in large groups. I gave myself an anchor and allowed those positive feelings to flow as I stepped forward and engaged with my audience.
Every OTD coach has those great moments to draw on.
By noticing what beliefs are operating for you and the consequent emotions are they causing, you will be in a position to reframe your thoughts.
By investing in your wellbeing when you are away, you will conserve your energy, and most importantly, by noticing and celebrating the excitement, engagement and learning that you are triggering, I am confident you will soon be back in the flow of classroom training.
Just like Destin, you will then be skilful, energised and confident whether delivering virtually or personally.
– Shirley
Thanks Shirley!! I love to read about this feelings and how to look for my best version!!!!