A simple model to get unstuck
If you’re feeling stuck – at your job, with a big decision, or with any part of your life, really – I have an important tip to share with you:
You need to know if you’re creating choices or making choices.
Here’s what I mean:
Innovation – whether it’s at work or in our lives – happens through what’s called Divergence and Convergence.
Divergence is asking questions of ourselves and others, getting curious about the world around us, and exploring our options. It feels like opening the aperture, and expanding our possibilities.
Through divergence, you create choices and options for yourself.
Convergence is naming your goal, making a decision, or defining the problem you want to solve. It feels like narrowing our focus and clarifying our priorities.
Through convergence, you make choices that move you into action.
Neither is "better" or "worse" than the other – in fact we must move fluidly between both to create an aligned and authentic life.
At the same time – it’s crucial to know “where” you are. Especially if you’re feeling stuck… because it likely means it’s time to switch gears.
Let’s say you’re thinking of a career change, so you decide to explore your options. You talk to mentors and former classmates. You go to career fairs and endlessly scroll job boards. You listen to podcasts and ask for advice from strangers at networking events.
You do a whole bunch of diverging. And, at a certain point, you find yourself in information overload.
It’s no wonder you feel overwhelmed – after all that diverging, you have unearthed more options, ideas and opinions than you likely need!
What should you do at this point? → Converge. Clarify your point of view. Start removing options.
What do most people do at this point? → Keep diverging. Seeking even more answers. Searching for the “right choice.”
See how continuing to research, explore, and get input only serves to keep you stuck?
The story works the same in reverse… if you’re feeling stuck on a decision, it could be because you’re forcing convergence when what you need is to expand your set of possible options.
Again, Divergence and Convergence work together – expanding and refining, opening and closing, creating choices and making choices.
They both need to be present for you to make meaningful, tangible change in your life.
If you’re feeling stuck, I invite you to pause and consider – where am I?
Have you been leaning on one more than the other? What might you do or try today to kickstart new energy, momentum and learning?
Onward,
PS: If you’re ready to practice Divergence and Convergence more intentionally, I’ve got you covered! My four-volume reflection journal, “100 Days of Designing My Life,” intentionally walks you through 100 reflection prompts to help you…
Volume 1: Discover who you are today (diverge)
Volume 2: Define your goals, priorities and point of view (converge)
Volume 3: Imagine new possibilities for your future (diverge)
Volume 4: Iterate your way forward through consistent, incremental action (converge)
Check out the whole collection in the Wayfinders Collective Shop!