Finding your flow, your work zone through dance

“Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we should dance” (anonymous).

I happen to LOVE to dance so this is a no brainer for me.  Shaking it on the dance floor from time to time does more for my stress level than a week at a spa.  I simply love putting movement to music.  I love getting carried away on the notes that swirl through the air.  I love forgetting about my what I need to do tomorrow or the next day.  I love being simply, fully in the moment.

It’s the same with being in the zone when working.  When you’re in the flow time flies.  There’s an equal dance between ease (when what we’re working on comes naturally, when our energy goes up instead of being sucked down) and the seductive pull of creative challenges (when our brains are thirstily solving problems with grace).

When work is too easy and it’s boring.  Too hard and it’s demoralizing.

What can dance teach us about finding your work zone, your?

• know what steps you’re most comfortable with: from rock to country to folk or ballet there are many steps.  Business-wise focus on what makes you feel strong, which isn’t always what you’re good at (see Marcus Buckingham’s the Truth About You for more information on this)

• know where you like to dance: from in a crowded bar to turning up the tunes in private at home there are many places to boogie.  Business-wise focus on what community brings you ease and puts your in your zone.  Find your tribe (a la Seth Godin).

• toss our your self-consciousness and have fun; the same part of our brain we use for critical thinking we also use for understanding humour. See our website for some specific client examples of what you can do to incorporate the strategic use of humour in your workplace.

• “Dancing is a lifetime, equal opportunity sport” says Robert Fulghum author of “All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”.  For God’s sake share your passion, whatever it is.  From being a kickass tax lawyer to an empathetic doctor, from being an on-the-cutting-edge business person to a stay at home mama, share your passion and your love for what you do.  Infect the world.

Where’s your dance zone?

Watch for the next blog post about using the metaphor of dance for how social movements can start.

In the meantime, what are you waiting for?  Go shake it.