Juggling Master: The Ritual of Success

By Kathy Stroh, MSS

No title, credentials, position, experience, training, or appointment can make people more than they are. They do not make anyone more effective, competent, or capable. No system (corporate, family, or government) is greater than those involved in it—the whole is defined and enriched by its parts. The purpose of this program is to address individuals by raising their awareness of self-limiting or self-defeating beliefs and behaviors. Individual change rarely occurs without awareness. Exploring how individuals deal with and create their own obstacles is a powerful first step to begin significant change.

When one comes face to face with a perceived obstacle (from a computer to a difficult person), beliefs about one’s ability to handle or work through it surface. Juggling is a vehicle used to discuss a common obstacle and provides an experience and language that is referential for future discussions when dealing with obstacles. In this experiential program, participants will actively learn to juggle, taking the lessons about balancing life’s challenges and translating them into a hands-on activity. The program is fun and funny and provides a wealth of “a-ha” moments as participants learn to succeed individually, in pairs and small groups.

To face and embrace a challenge is about the individual . . . no matter what the payoff is about. There is a direct correlation between one’s ability to achieve and to succeed at realizing their goals and the ability to deal with their own fears or resistance. Often there is too great a distance between the individual and the challenge. Narrowing the gap between the two is the underlying theme of this program.

Benefits:

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify barriers that hinder growth, risk taking, and success
• Use a common language that targets and points out specific issues and behaviors
• Use concepts as a referential tool that can be applied in different areas
• Address obstacles that have been identified and researched as blocking effectiveness
• Become a mirror for others

Juggling also has additional benefits for the group as a whole:

• Teaches effectively through kinesthetic approach
• Encourages risk taking
• Promotes teamwork and focuses on communication skills
• Concepts are anchored in language that can be applied to all environments
• Provides humor that is essential to healthy environments
• Promotes determination, flexibility, and the motivation to achieve
• Narrows the chasm between the person and obstacle
• Stimulates the spirit of camaraderie and mutual support
• Juggling is fun . . . it is a gift

Freedom is an internal achievement rather than an external adjustment. Juggling addresses internal obstacles. It allows individuals to have the freedom to choose.

Sample Agenda:

There are eight primary lessons to learn from juggling. Each can be brought back into practical, everyday lessons that will help participants learn more about who they are and how they deal with internal or external obstacles.
NOTE: Lessons included/emphasized will be determined according to length of the workshop and the specific needs of the participants and the situation.

1. Performer vs. Master
   This lesson differentiates between performance for others rather than mastering our ability. This is a key concept in our ability to deal with obstacles, failure, and success.
2. Learning to Let Go
   To juggle, we must learn to let go. Equally, success requires that we acknowledge and then let go of what prevents it.
3. Juggling is a Skill
   We all learn to juggle at our own pace. Learning any skill has the same principle; moreover, learning what skills behoove us or are detrimental to our success is important to identify.
4. Learn to be Flexible
   Rigidity prevents the ability to change direction, focus, or perspective. It is impossible to learn to succeed or juggle and not be flexible.
5. Count on Dropping the Ball
   It doesn’t matter that balls are dropped; it matters that they are picked up again. This lesson looks at the concept of failure as part of success.
6. Feeling Uncomfortable is Learned
   It can be uncomfortable learning to juggle. Blundering is part of learning. Learning how and when to be uncomfortable are valuable lessons.
7. There is Always Room for Growth
   Part of becoming a master is knowing that there is always more to learn and encounter. Opening up to that concept is part of this lesson.
8. earn the Power of the Struggle
   To be in a struggle means that whatever is opposing us has met our capacity to overcome it easily. This is a lesson about attitude, tenacity, and development.

Time Frame:

Two hours to two days.

Materials:

Participants will utilize a set of juggling balls during the workshop which are theirs to keep following the program. The sets are a wonderful “take-away” from the program and as they sit on desks and workstations provide a reminder of the program lessons as well as opportunities to practice the skills learned.

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