S:1414 Distinction: Aware vs. Declare(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)


There is the well-known story of the discovery of Pluto. The planet, not the puppy. On February 18, 1930, Clyde W. Tombaugh first identified the discovery of the then-ninth planet. (Since downgraded to ‘Big Cold Chunk of Rock Far Away.’ Message: Fame can be fleeting.) After detailed reviews of previous celestial photographs it was obvious that it had been in photographs for quite a while, but unseen.

That ties to this Distinction, Aware vs. Declare.

Declaring can be a purely mental exercise, a step in ‘manifesting’ outcomes, an ego exercise, the well-worn process of making success happen. Works but fraught with issues.

Many times a future is declared because we’re trying to fill some void we believe we have, needing the declared future to fill it. From hole to whole.

Sometimes a future is declared because we ‘should’ have it. Many is the seasoned professional who never really wanted to be in their profession. No passion for it. They just declared it and made it happen. “It seemed like a good idea at the time” is the common lament.

Aware – that is, becoming aware of – is different. It is having something already there emerge from its place of unknowing. Like Tombaugh’s discovery.

Becoming aware is more than mental. It usually includes feelings. Inspiration, creativity, quietness, try-test-try, letting go of norms, and input from trusted others are some tools of an exercised awareness. Do the math, sure, but becoming-aware-of is frequently beyond pure reasoning and declaring.


Coaching Point: What became-aware-of has been a game-changer for you?


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