This is one of many such expressions inviting us to maintain a balanced view of a situation. So, on the basis of my profound belief that our journey through life is as much about remembering as it is about learning new, I shall bring the phrase back into your focus.
Let me start with the assertion that when you think the world or a certain context is against you, then it probably is. You feel less powerful, less positive, just less. You are more likely to be tense, for longer. You smile less, frown more, grit your teeth, sit hunched-up. You are more reluctant to change anything (even after reading my newsletters). And perhaps most noticeably, you over-react to situations, often inappropriately.
On the opposite side of the equation, if you think that the world or your context is absolutely perfect, then it probably is. You feel powerful, positive, confident, expanding. You allow yourself to relax, deeply, often. You smile, all the time, walk taller, see more. You are willing to change anything (and try most things I suggest in these newsletters). And perhaps most noticeably, you allow situations to be what they are, consider and respond to them, appropriately.
Whatever is happening for you right now, at home, at work or simply inside you, just is. There will be “6 of One and a Half Dozen of the Other”, you decide which grabs your attention. As I consider my coaching clients over the years, I’m sure I don’t need to mention which of the two states achieved more, transformed and transitioned faster, and wear a fabulous grin.
The pragmatically powerful “6 of One” quote is a reminder tool to nudge your thinking to a more helpful state. When you are noticing only the wrong 6, it compounds, and more than 6 seem to turn up to prove it. Seek the other 6, simplify your situation in the moment.
For the next week I challenge you to notice your state, and on the occasions when you are facing the ‘not-so-nice-6’ ask yourself (and actually write down the answers to help the process, keep asking the same question till something comes to mind, in even the toughest situations):
- What could be the ‘Half Dozen of the Other’ here?
- What might be/could be good about this?
- How might this be helpful for me or others?
In simplicity,
Simon