In a recent conversation with my good friend and colleague, Fran Groesbeck, who is a Growth Coach and Owner/Creative Director at Ten Touch Creative Agency, she shared how business owners who have a mindset of being “Willingness Warriors” can achieve great success. I found the term “Willingness Warrior” to be quite intriguing so I had her explain further.
Life and work often present us with challenges. We all have choices to make, and it’s how we approach these challenges that determines whether we can overcome them or if they will overcome us.
Some people wait on the sidelines and wish for certain things to happen while others take action. Some tend to avoid challenges or feel apprehensive about taking risks and trying something different to achieve the desired outcomes. Trying something new involves uncertainty, and they are not willing to be open to exploring new approaches for different results.
If you are someone who embraces the challenges that come your way and continue to move forward despite the challenges you face, then you can consider yourself a Willingness Warrior.
Fran associates four visuals with the concept of a Willingness Warrior, illustrating the resilience quality to move forward:
Willingness Warrior Stances
- Warrior Standing in Ready Position
- This represents feeling strong and having the confidence to conquer any obstacle that comes your way.
- Warrior on Bended Knee
- Even if you experience setbacks, you are still ready to rise up and continue the fight.
- Warrior Flat on their Back
- This signifies being knocked down and feeling somewhat defeated, but still being able to see the opportunities and possibilities ahead.
- Warrior Face Down on the Ground
- This depicts being knocked down hard, feeling uncertain about how to get back up or move forward, but still finding a way to flip over and discover new possibilities.
In each warrior position, the Willingness Warrior finds a way to rise again.
What Does it Mean to Be a Willingness Warrior?
“If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.”
Thomas Jefferson
Being a willingness warrior means being willing to do things that others are not. It involves going the extra mile in research, being open to asking for help, and being open to trying new approaches.
This is especially important for those of us who have had long careers and may have seen something fail before. There might be a new approach or perspective to an obstacle, especially in today’s digital world with various tools available.
A willingness warrior is someone who embraces a mindset of openness, adaptability, and growth. They understand the significance of approaching challenges with an open mind, being willing to let go of fixed beliefs, and seeking alternative solutions.
A willingness warrior faces obstacles head-on, knowing that each experience is an opportunity for learning and personal development. With a commitment to continuous growth and an unwavering belief in their ability to adapt and overcome, a willingness warrior navigates life with resilience, courage, and a sense of purpose.
We should remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory on the path to personal growth and fulfillment.
Lessons from Fran’s Perspective
This conversation with Fran came at the perfect time for me. I really appreciated her perspective on the different warrior stances – it was truly insightful. Running a business can be quite challenging, and finding a balance between work and personal obligations can be tough. We all encounter unexpected things, both positive and negative.
However, as a willingness warrior, we don’t let obstacles stop us from moving forward. Even though there may be things that slow us down, we won’t let them defeat us. We will keep going and overcome.
So, are you a Willingness Warrior? I bet you are…
Join the Live Full Work Fun Facebook group to continue the conversation. We can’t wait to connect with you and hear your thoughts!
