Valuing Variance

Human beings are complex. We have multiple selves. We can hold two things at once and switch our thinking quickly. It’s what makes the human experience so profound and allows for our capacity to see multiple possibilities. Those possibilities are what allow us to innovate, grow, and develop at incredible rates. However, it can often seem daunting to figure out what side of ourselves to use, and when to use them. Still with me? Let me explain further. Here are some examples of personal variance that I have found to be helpful.

• Sprint and then rest when exercising

• Mix short sentences with longer sentences when writing

• Answer questions succinctly and then give yourself space to pontificate when being questioned

• Hit conservative targets with aggressive swings when golfing

• Provide information in a lecture form and then let your audience experientially learn when teaching

• Ask questions then provide answers when leading

• Develop a specialty and then cultivate range when working at your craft

None of the above are fail-proof. Some may resonate. Others may not. That’s okay. Question them. Think about how they may or may not apply to you. Then, create your own list of where you need personal variance in your life. Explore with curiosity. Then step into what you need when you need it.