In or Out of Alignment?

Author

Jason Lew
July 23, 2024

Ever notice how aligned decisions don’t always feel good? The fear can be so loud.

It’s a constant battle of:

  • "But what if...?"

  • "But what happens when...?"

  • "But I always..."

So, when the stakes are high in business, how can you guarantee your decision is IN alignment?

Let's explore.

The Oxford Dictionary defines 'align' very simply: “to give support to (a person, organization, or cause).”

The challenge with alignment isn’t necessarily the decision, but discerning between which voice or side you’re supporting.

My mentor likes to refer to this as Universal Law versus YOUniversal Law.

YOUniversal Law is our Ego.

Universal Law represents our Higher Self.

I once had a client who used a great visual representation.

She named her Ego "Little K" (her name started with a K). Her Higher Self, she called "Pocahontas" (because she was half Native American).

Before any significant decision, she would ask herself, "Who is speaking?"

Here’s how she differentiated the two:

The Ego craves:

  1. The need to be right.

  2. The need to be safe.

  3. The need for control.

  4. The need to look good to others.

The Higher Self leads with:

  • Trust

  • Courage

  • Bravery

  • Compassion

  • Love

The Ego thrives on logic and often resides in the head.

The Higher Self resides in the heart and gut.

The ego acts as our protector. It’s excellent at stopping us from touching a hot stove repeatedly, but it struggles to differentiate between actual and perceived dangers. And it loves to control with fear.

So, the next time you face a decision, consider asking yourself, "Who’s speaking?"

The more practice you have at differentiating the voice, the better you'll understand where it's coming from.

One last thing...

Just because a decision is made in alignment does not mean it will work out the way you want.

Control is a manifestation of the Ego.

Sometimes, not getting what we want provides an opportunity to grow into who we are meant to be.

Just like a decision made out of alignment can bring immediate wins but potentially lead to long-term frustration, shame, and judgment.

Cheers,