Breakthrough — Redefined.
Last Wednesday, I had the honor of being invited to share my insights on a theme that resonates deeply with me and my work — Breakthrough. This opportunity prompted a period of reflection and re-evaluation of my own understanding of what a breakthrough truly signifies. As a practitioner of the R.E.A.L. framework, I utilized this methodology to re-examine and redefine the concept of breakthroughs in both personal and professional contexts.
What is a Breakthrough?
A breakthrough, in its broadest sense, represents a significant development or achievement. However, my exploration of this concept extends beyond conventional interpretations. While researching scientific papers during my Ph.D. journey, I noticed the term ‘breakthrough’ predominantly features in medical contexts, often denoting major advancements in treatments or discoveries. Yet, how does this term apply to our day-to-day experiences, to our personal and professional growth?
In my quest for a more encompassing definition, I turned to Oxford Dictionary, which describes a breakthrough as an important discovery or development that may lead to an agreement or achievement. This led me to ponder if a breakthrough could also be viewed as a moment of self-discovery, a personal ‘aha’ moment. The breakthroughs we experience in life are not just about external achievements; they’re profoundly about internal realizations and transformations.
Reflecting on Ray Dalio’s principles of growth, I align with the notion that breakthroughs involve navigating through challenges, diagnosing problems, and redesigning strategies to overcome these obstacles. Therefore, I define a breakthrough as making daily progress towards the desired states or outcomes that I envision. It’s a journey from an undesirable state — characterized by unfamiliarity, discomfort, or ignorance — to a desirable state where familiarity, comfort, and knowledge prevail.
This journey involves a myriad of emotions and feelings, ranging from fear and anxiety in the face of uncertainty to excitement and joy upon realizing new potentials. It’s about acknowledging our current state, aspiring to reach a better one, and taking actionable steps to make it a reality. The process of breakthrough is not just about achieving a goal; it’s about the transformation that occurs within us as we journey towards that goal.
Inviting Reflection: The Pivotal Questions
Before delving into the practical steps of the R.E.A.L. Breakthrough Strategy, I find it essential to engage in a reflective exercise. This not only sets the stage for a deeper understanding of the process but also personalizes it for each individual. Here are the key questions I invited my audience to ponder:
- Personal Breakthrough Experiences:
“Can you recall a personal breakthrough experience from your past?” Reflecting on this question helps individuals identify moments in their lives where they have already experienced significant change. It’s about recognizing patterns in these experiences — what led to these breakthroughs, how they felt during these times, and the impact these moments had on their lives. This reflection aids in understanding the nature of breakthroughs and their transformative power.
2. Resonating Values and Feelings:
“What values and feelings do you associate with breakthroughs?”
This question encourages individuals to delve into the emotional and value-based aspects of breakthroughs. It’s about understanding what drives us towards these moments of change. Is it a desire for growth, a need for achievement, or a quest for fulfillment? Identifying these underlying values and feelings provides a deeper insight into our motivations for seeking breakthroughs.
3. Requirements for a Breakthrough:
“What do you think is required for a breakthrough?”
Here, the focus shifts to identifying the necessary conditions or catalysts for a breakthrough. It involves considering the mental, emotional, and physical resources needed, such as resilience, determination, or a supportive environment. Understanding these requirements helps in preparing oneself for the journey ahead.
4. The Desire to Breakthrough:
“Why do we want to breakthrough?”
This question is fundamental as it touches on the purpose and end goal of pursuing breakthroughs. It ties into the concept of flourishing and living our best selves. Is it about overcoming personal limitations, achieving professional excellence, or finding a deeper sense of purpose? This introspection guides individuals towards aligning their breakthrough goals with their overall life aspirations.
The Pursuit of Breakthroughs: Flourishing and Thriving
The quest for breakthroughs is deeply rooted in our innate desire for flourishing and thriving. In my session, I delved into this concept, emphasizing that breakthroughs are not just about overcoming obstacles or achieving goals; they are fundamentally about reaching a state of flourishing — where we maximize our potential and lead lives rich in meaning and fulfillment.
Flourishing is a comprehensive term that encompasses various aspects of human life, including emotional well-being, personal growth, purpose, and positive relationships. It’s about thriving in our environment, continually evolving, and expanding our capabilities. When we talk about seeking breakthroughs, we’re essentially talking about moving from a state of merely surviving to one of thriving. It’s about transitioning from enduring life’s challenges to actively shaping and enjoying our journey.
This concept aligns with the principles of positive psychology, which focus on the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. It’s about harnessing these strengths to propel us forward. A breakthrough, in this sense, is a significant step in our journey of self-improvement and development. It’s a moment where we not only overcome a challenge but also elevate ourselves to a higher level of personal achievement and satisfaction.
In my presentation, I emphasised that breakthroughs are key to our personal and professional development. They are moments that define our journey, providing us with profound insights and leading to transformative changes. These changes pave the way for us to live more fulfilling lives, aligned with our deepest values and aspirations. In essence, every breakthrough is a step towards realizing our fullest potential, contributing to our overall well-being, and enhancing our ability to contribute positively to the world around us.
The pursuit of breakthroughs, therefore, is not merely about achieving specific goals; it is about embracing a journey of continuous growth and development. It is about cultivating a mindset that seeks out opportunities for learning and expansion, and that views challenges not as obstacles but as catalysts for growth. This mindset is crucial for anyone who aims to live a life of purpose, achievement, and joy — a life where they not only flourish but thrive in the truest sense.
Introducing the 4-Steps to the R.E.A.L. Breakthrough Strategy :
Step 1: Total Recall
Total Recall is about deeply revisiting a past breakthrough moment. It’s not just about remembering the event, but immersing yourself in the details — what were you thinking, feeling, and how did you react? What strengths emerged, and how did you deal with vulnerabilities? This step is crucial for gaining insights into personal growth patterns and the resilience developed over time. Reflecting on these moments helps us understand their transformative impact and sets the stage for future breakthroughs.
Step 2: Setting Intentions
In Setting Intentions, the focus shifts to the purpose behind seeking a breakthrough. This step involves aligning your breakthrough goals with your core values and long-term objectives. It’s about asking, “Why is this breakthrough important to me?” and “What deeper impact do I expect it to have on my life?” Understanding the ‘why’ provides motivation and direction, making the pursuit of breakthroughs more meaningful and aligned with personal and professional aspirations.
Step 3: Practicing the 5A’s Wheel of Breakthrough
In this crucial step, I delve into the essence of each ‘A’ in the 5A’s Wheel of Breakthrough — Awareness, Acknowledge, Aspire to Commit, Action, and Ameliorate. This framework serves as a cyclical process for achieving and sustaining breakthroughs.
- Awareness:
This first step is about becoming fully aware of our current state and the desired change. It involves recognizing our feelings, both negative and positive, that are associated with our current situation and the change we wish to see. As I reflected in my session, awareness often starts with understanding our own experiences of breakthroughs, how we felt during those times, and what those moments meant to us. - Acknowledge:
Here, we accept the need for change and embrace our current state as the starting point. Acknowledging is not just about understanding our situation but also about recognizing the emotions and values tied to it. It’s about admitting to ourselves the aspects of our life or mindset that we wish to transform. - Aspire to Commit:
This step is where we develop a strong desire and commitment to making a change. It’s about setting intentions and preparing ourselves mentally and emotionally for the journey ahead. This commitment is driven by the recognition of our own needs and the aspiration to reach a better state. - Action: Action is where we put our plans into motion. It’s about taking concrete steps towards achieving our breakthrough. This phase is critical because, as discussed, a breakthrough requires action — it’s through our actions that we move towards new horizons and experiences.
- Ameliorate: Finally, ameliorate is about continuously improving and learning from our actions. It involves reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and how we can adjust our approach for better results in the future. This step is a crucial part of the cycle, as it allows us to evolve our strategies and make more informed decisions moving forward.
Each of these steps represents a vital component of the breakthrough process. They are not just sequential steps but also interconnected elements that feed into each other, creating a dynamic journey of personal growth and development.
Step 4: Befriend the Fantastic FOUR!
The final step involved adopting four essential mindsets :
1. Experimenting:
This mindset is about embracing the spirit of experimentation. It involves trying new approaches, exploring different methods, and being open to learning through trial and error. As I discussed in my session, this mindset is crucial because it allows us to break free from rigid patterns of thinking and behaving. It’s about being adventurous and innovative in our journey towards breakthroughs, understanding that not all efforts will lead directly to success, but each attempt is a valuable learning opportunity.
2. Learning from Problems:
Here, the focus is on viewing challenges and obstacles as opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of perceiving problems as setbacks, this mindset encourages us to analyze and learn from them. It’s about adopting a perspective that every challenge we encounter is a chance to develop new skills, gain insights, and strengthen our resilience. This approach transforms our journey into a continuous learning experience, where each hurdle contributes to our personal and professional development.
3. Trusting the Process:
This mindset is about having faith in the journey of personal growth and recognizing that breakthroughs often take time. It involves understanding that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight and requires patience, persistence, and perseverance. Trusting the process means staying committed to our goals, even when progress seems slow or when the path forward is uncertain. It’s about believing in our capabilities and the steps we are taking towards achieving our breakthroughs.
4. Being Kind to Yourself:
Finally, being kind to oneself is a vital mindset. It involves practicing self-compassion and understanding, especially during challenging times. This mindset is about recognizing that personal growth is a journey with ups and downs and being gentle with ourselves through it all. It’s about acknowledging our efforts, celebrating our progress, and forgiving ourselves for any mistakes or setbacks. This kindness and self-acceptance create a nurturing environment for growth and transformation.
Conclusion and Personal Note:
In conclusion, our exploration of breakthroughs in this session has been an enlightening journey, covering the depth and breadth of what it means to achieve transformative change. From understanding the essence of breakthroughs as movements from undesirable to desirable states, to engaging in reflective questions that challenge our perceptions, we’ve delved into the core of personal growth and development.
The R.E.A.L. Breakthrough Strategy, with its focus on Total Recall, Setting Intentions, Practicing the 5A’s Wheel of Breakthrough, and Befriending the Fantastic Four, offers a structured yet flexible approach to personal transformation. Each step is designed to guide individuals through their unique journey towards breakthroughs, underpinning the importance of reflection, emotion, awareness, and lifelong learning.
On a personal note, I share this strategy and these insights not just as a coach and a trainer but as someone who continuously strives to apply these principles in my own life. My journey, much like yours, is filled with moments of learning, challenges, and growth. It’s a testament to the power of embracing our potential and relentlessly pursuing our personal and professional aspirations.
For those who wish to experience this journey more vividly and gain deeper insights, I invite you to watch the video of the full session. It’s not just a presentation; it’s a live version of the shared experience, where you can feel the energy, see the interactions, and perhaps find a reflection of your own quest for breakthroughs.
YouTube Video of the Session:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY3ixTxDFy0
Remember, every step we take towards understanding ourselves and pushing beyond our limits brings us closer to a life of fulfilment, purpose, and joy. Let’s embrace this journey together, and may this session be a catalyst for your own remarkable breakthroughs.
P.
Celebrating the Breakthrough Moments:
I have invited close friends and partnered clients of mine, whether they are one-to-one coachees or close friends who have made amazing breakthroughs in life. I am profoundly grateful for their presence, co-learning, and relearning together, and for the energy they bring to our community. A special thank you to the 50+ participants who stayed till the end of the session. It was a remarkable learning journey for me to revisit the topic of Breakthrough, a subject we sometimes overlook. I am deeply thankful for the few core team members who believe wholeheartedly in what I do and supported me throughout the session. Despite it being a community initiative, my heart is overflowing with love, support, and care.
Thank you to everyone who participated and shared your energy! It has been a while since I made such an extensive effort to invite friends to attend my public sharing session, so this is indeed a breakthrough for me! Another personal breakthrough is my ongoing challenge to make my content and ideas concise. This time, I took a progressive step to make the content concise and easy to understand. Thank you for being a part of this beautiful journey in the first month of 2024!
