Art credit: Alice Muhlback www.spiritandkitsch.com/
S.O.S. WHAT IS THE S.TATE O.F YOUR S.PARK?
Our spark – the combination of our energy, happiness and sense of possibility — goes up and down. If your spark is low and you happen to be in “Flickerer Mode”right now rather than “Beacon Mode” there is nothing to feel embarrassed about but there are some very different steps I will encourage you to take. Let’s start out with six simple questions to help you see where you are right now along the spectrum from Definitely Drained to Completely Charged and then I will share with you what to do accordingly.
Please answer each of these six questions on a 1-10 basis and then tally up your total. Drumroll, please …
- To what extent would you say right now that you are “really clear” about what energizes you and really energized by your work and your life?
- To what extent would you say right now that you are “really clear” about and experiencing each month what matters most to you?
- To what extent would you say right now that you feel you are living with a sense of expanding possibility and, if applicable, able to take steps at work to nurture a culture of possibility?
- To what extent would you say right now that you are growing, thriving and becoming the kind of person you aspire to be?
- To what extent would you say right now that you are “filled with a sense of gratitude” at least half the day, most days each week?
- To what extent would you say right now that you are able to create an interesting and inspiring story about your life every week, if not every day?
Add up your answers
If your total was 45-60, you are in what I call “BEACON” mode.
BEACONs (BRIGHTLY LIT) 45-60
People in Beacon mode often say things like:
“I feel like I got a new spark plug when I changed my work and now I am humming along.”
If your total score was 30-44, you are in what I call “YOYO” mode.
YOYOs UP AND DOWN 30-44 points
People in YoYo mode often say things like:
“My spark varies considerably; today it’s probably bright enough to read a book by, but not enough to light a room.”
Some days or even some parts of days you feel great and then at others you can get completely thrown by life’s noise. You have a picture of yourself really energized and happy and you want to live in that mode more often. You probably feel pulled in a lot of different directions and have the sense that you don’t have a lot of time for yourself and/or do not want to be “selfish” when your family, organization and/or the world need you.
If your total score on the SOS Quiz was under 30 points you are in what I call “FLICKERER” mode.
FLICKERERs
People in Flickerer mode often say things like:
“I’ve buried my spark.”
Someone wrote me recently and said “In my first draft of this note to you I wrote that I have a ‘limp wick’ but that didn’t sound too good so let me say instead that ‘I’m currently wrestling with my spark, and I’m not sure who’s winning.’”
Almost everyone I know and respect has been in Flickerer mode at some time or other. Being a “Flickerer” does not mean that you are “unsuccessful,” nor does it mean you will not be able to cultivate your capacity to thrive in your life and succeed in your work. It might well mean that you are taking care of everyone and everything else. WHAT ABOUT YOU?!
I know we are all super busy, so in addition to putting up a series of written posts this month, I will also post in audio form so that those of you who would find it easier to take in some practical and provocative ideas and inspiration while driving, cooking or sitting on the toilet will have the chance to do so.
So much more is possible.
Jeff Bercuvitz
CEO (Creator of Extraordinary Opportunities)
The Sparks Center
