(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)
The quick hit, the short bit, the sound bite, the flash of light. These are what most people pay attention to, if you could even call it paying attention. They are beguiled by the appearance of the surface layer. If you were to quiz them you would find they usually take this approach because it’s an easy way to confirm what they already believe or wish to be so.
But when you visit with highly successful people you find they are always on the search for the essence which underlies appearance. They have learned – “All that glitters isn’t gold.” “You can’t tell a book by its cover.” “Beauty is only skin deep.” Clichés we’ve all heard but they take to heart because success lies in the search for essence.
The wonderful news is that it only takes one thing to move from appearance to essence – the desire to do so. As soon as you decide to join the (small) ranks of the highly successful you will find yourself drawn into the “Hummm, is that so? What’s going on here? How does that really work? What is not obvious at first glance?” Notice the difference in these questions versus the clichés listed above.
There is always more than first appears.
Coaching Point: What is one thing about which you’ve learned its essence while most are stuck at appearance?
Copyright 2015 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.
