When you’ve tried everything you know, what do you do?

I feel like I’m hitting that wall in a specific area of my life. Okay, I’ll be honest – with a specific person in my life. I’ve tried all the things I know that usually work…or at least I think that I have. They’ve worked in the past.

And before you ask, I’ve tried the things that I know don’t work…like sitting around bitching about it, binge watching a Netflix show to escape, staring off into space, rehearsing conversations that I’ll never have, replaying conversations that I did have that didn’t go the way I wanted, rolling my eyes and sighing in frustration at everything they do, yada yada.

I mean, obviously, I have to do something new. To keep trying the things that aren’t working is pretty close to the definition of insanity. But what new thing should I do? I mean, if I knew what to do, wouldn’t I do it?

Oh duh. This is exactly the kind of situation that calls for mentoring or coaching, right? It calls for a conversation with someone who will help me to see things from a fresh perspective, with someone who won’t try to fix it for me, but will help me ask and answer the right questions so that I can discover what to do. Someone who will be there to discuss how things went after I try my new ideas, and to help me evaluate and fine tune. Someone who might have some wisdom or advice to offer, and I can choose to pick it up or not.

It’s kinda hilarious that I do this for a living, but it takes me a while to realize that it’s exactly what is called for in this situation.

We all need a mentor or a coach from time to time. There will always be times when we have to try something different, but we’re a bit blind to the options because our own stuff is in the way.

In the meantime, remember these things: You are loved. We are all loved. Let’s all be kind. And in all things – progress, not perfection!

Maggie