Variance: Ask The Question

Have you ever been about to say something, or ask a question, and decided against it? Not because you suddenly changed your mind about it but because you just decided not to bother? How often?

Do you think that has gotten better or worse since our meetings all became virtual?

If this is you, you are not alone. In fact, it is a variant of perfectionism called risk evasion. If you don't speak up you can't contribute but you don't necessarily lose anything either, right? Or, do you?

The fact is that your growth, your goals are on the other side of engagement with the room. Opportunity almost always comes with some risk. But knowing this alone will not get the words to come out of your mouth. To get more engaged, you may have to figure out what form your risk evasion takes.

• Is your inner critic shutting you down?
• Is your vagus nerve giving you too much, or too little, charge?
• Are you prepared enough for your meetings?
• Are you dancing around with anxiety or other brain chemistry events?

Whatever the actual cause, there is a simple way to begin to disrupt the habit. Plant your feet, extend your spine upward, take a full inhalation, and ask the question. Observe your response to that.