Just How Closed Is That Door?

Clare Josa, Research & Training Director

How closed is that door?

I had a fun (not!) reminder this weekend of how it’s best to take action when doors are open, rather than hammering on them, when they’re locked. Yet it’s a habit that so many of us have. Find out what you should – and shouldn’t – be doing, when it feels like those doors are closed.

If the door is closed, stop pushing it.
Hi %%FIRST_NAME%% ~ You get to read the rest of this post because you’re a member of the Daily Sunshine forum ~ Thank you! Namaste, Clare
I was creating a video series for an online training course I’m running. The video bit was great. I really enjoyed it. But the editing and uploading was one hard, slow slog of irritation and boredom.

Usually that would be my signal to stop – if techy stuff that usually works starts to fall over, if the internet is snailing its way through the ether, if my laptop is taking half an hour to compute each 1 and 0…

For me, it means the door is closed and I’m meant to be doing something else with my time at that point.

The proof came yesterday, when Internet and computer speeds miraculously returned to normal and the rest of the project fell into place.

If you feel like you are pushing and forcing things, then it’s very likely that you’re either off-course or off-timing.

Instead of slogging on through, it’s worth taking a step back and asking yourself whether that door is closed right now. It doesn’t mean it’ll never open. It just means it isn’t open yet.

Obviously, this applies to so much more than computer work.

If you’re trying to put a point across to someone, but getting nowhere, how about sowing the seeds and then letting them sprout, so tht the door opens of its own accord? That way you don’t need to kick it down?

If you’re doing something that feels like it isn’t in flow, how about stepping back and doing something different – something that inspires you – for an hour or more? Then try it again. A simple change of scene and a bit of inspiration might be all it takes to unlock that door.

We have spent over a year looking for the home that we are going to move to in 3 weeks’ time. And I have learned so much about hammering on closed doors. We started the purchase process on three other properties and each fell through, with Oscar-winning performances from the key players. We were trying to open doors that were literally closed.

I’m curious: if you think about this in your own life, are there any areas where it feels like the door might be closed?
How do you spot this?
What are the signals?
And what could you do about it?

We’re discussing this one today over at our shiny new Daily Sunshine forum.

If you’d like to share your answers to these questions – or your experiences, it would be fab to have you join us.



Maybe see you there?

Wishing you sunshine and laughter,
Namaste,
Clare

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About the Author 

Clare Josa

Clare is considered a global authority in the fields of Imposter Syndrome, burnout and sustainable performance for individuals and teams. She has been an international keynote speaker for over 20 years.

Her research is cited in PhDs and taught on MBAs, worldwide, and she is the creator of the life-changing Safe to THRIVE™ and Natural Resilience Method® frameworks, which she teaches at Facilitator and Master Coach levels, as well as in the world's first Imposter Syndrome App - Imposter Syndrome Hacks™.

The author of ten books, a reformed engineer, and the former Head of Market Research for one of the world's most disruptive brands, she blends science-backed practical inspiration with demystified ancient wisdom, to help you create breakthroughs in ways that are fast, fun and forever.

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