Hey Founder, I Understand You’re Slipping Below the Line
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash
Do you ever feel like the whole world is aligned against you and that everything is happening to you? If so, you have done what all of us do: you have fallen below the line. It’s not an optimal place to be. Even amidst favorable circumstances, we may slip below when faced with challenges. Thoughts like, "They promised a million-dollar investment, but now they're retracting due to a bank collapse," or "So-and-so isn't fulfilling their commitments, and we're left empty-handed in late March," become prevalent.
In these moments, we cast ourselves as victims, feeling the world is acting upon us. Yet, beneath this lies an attachment to being right, often fueled by fear stemming from a perceived lack of security, approval, or control. These are clear indicators that we've descended below the line.
The predicament with this state of mind and emotion is that it hinders rational problem-solving. We become ensnared in a narrative that seems inescapable. To ascend above the line and uphold the first commitment of a conscious leader—taking 100% responsibility for our circumstances—we must learn to separate fact from story.
Maintaining yourself above the line is akin to a fitness regimen for the mind—a practice that distinguishes conscious leaders. The Conscious Leadership Group eloquently divides our beliefs and emotions into two realms: above and below the line. While we all navigate between these spaces, the most effective leadership arises from above the line.
Consider a retailer omitting your ad; the fact is, they retracted their commitment. The story you tell yourself—perhaps, they don't resonate with your brand or the market is fickle—is where the distinction lies. Byron Katie’s “The Work” offers a powerful approach. Ask yourself, "Is it true?" And even more crucially, "Do I absolutely know it is true?" The answer is almost always, "No," unless you possess mind-reading abilities.
These two simple questions serve as a pivot point, allowing recognition and acceptance that we've descended below the line. Think of them as repetitions in building the muscles of self-honesty and awareness.
Now, onto the next lap, where we find the third question: "How do I react—what happens—when I believe that thought?" Delve into this inquiry, uncovering how certain beliefs make you feel small, unworthy, ineffective, or persecuted. The more awareness and candor you bring to this question, the better equipped you become. This sets the stage for the final inquiry: "Who would I be without that thought?"
Imagine flipping the switch. This prompts a transformation, where you'd embody someone with heightened freedom and joy in your work and life. You'd acknowledge that life doesn't merely happen to you, but rather, by you (or, if you are resonating at an even higher frequency, through you). It encompasses everything you've achieved to reach this point, even if the path ahead is uncertain. It might mean being a founder whose company is cherished by the board, actively supporting your success.
This mindset demands practice, a daily ritual to become second nature. The payoff is profound—you'll infuse awareness into your decision-making, liberating you from the pressure of always being right and having the answer to everything. You'll carry your responsibility with greater ease, enhancing your team's trust and problem-solving prowess.
Feel free to share how I can assist you and your team in maintaining the above-the-line perspective in your change-the-world endeavors.
Sincerely,
Rob Craven, scalepassion
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All credit to my ghostwriting partner, Dave Moore, who is instrumental in getting my thoughts out in a coherent manner & into these blogs. Thanks Dave!