subject: Emotional Intelligence And The Tiger Story [print this page] Mohini was a regal white tiger who lived for many years at the Washington, D.C. Zoo. for most of those years her home was in the old lion house a typical twelve-by-twelve-foot cage with iron bars and a cement floor. Mohini spent her days pacing restlessly back and forth in her cramped quarters.
Eventually, biologists and staff worked together to create a natural habitat for her. Covering several acres, it had hills, trees, a pond and a variety of vegetation. With excitement and anticipation they released Mohini into her new and expansive environment. But it was too late.
The tiger immediately sought refuge in a corner of the compound, where she lived for the remainder of her life. Mohini paced and paced in that corner until an area twelve by twelve feet was worn bare of grass.
We limit ourselves
Are you pacing in your twelve-by-twelve work area, trapped by the same old patterns? Most of us have some places like this where we behave automatically, according to old patterns that no longer serve us well. Something has changed to the better, but we are unable to take advantage of it. Often we are trapped by our old beliefs and fears.
Self-awareness
The first step in freeing ourselves from unproductive, old patterns is to notice them. We also need to notice new alternatives. This is easier said than done. It entails growing our self-awareness so we see how we hold ourselves back from new opportunities. It involves taking risks to move into new behaviors.
Take a moment right now to reflect. Can you identify any area where you feel trapped? Maybe circumstances beyond your control keep you there? Or maybe you keep yourself there? Or a little of both?
We can help you free yourself from old patterns with our Executive Coaching. Through our individual and group Executive Coaching, many people have freed themselves and created new alternatives.
Copyright 2010, by William R. Murray, President of Eagle Alliance Executive Coaching, LLC. Reprint rights granted to all venues so long as this article and by-line are printed intact with all links made live.
