How to make a fish happy
“Everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it’ll spend its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
Albert Einstein
I came across this quote a few days ago and it really resonated with me. As a career coach, I spend much of my time working with people who are just like this fish: being judged by their inability to climb a tree. If we don’t understand what we’re good at it is very difficult – if not impossible – to have a fulfilling work life. Why? Because unless you know what you’re good at, and what nourishes you, you will be guided by other people’s perspective on your abilities.
Book your free 15 min chat
Find out what's possible for your dream life, best fit role.TM
So, how do I get the ‘fish’ I work with to stop worrying about climbing a tree and focus on swimming – which they’re naturally good at? I take a strengths based approach to coaching them. I’ve found this approach to be powerful (more info here) as it consistently produces happy fish – people who have more energy, positivity (which makes the world happier), resilience and less guilt and stress.
Know any unhappy fish? Tell them about strengths.
Speak soon,
Nikki
Free masterclasses
Dream Role Masterclass
Get clear on your best fit role and the roadmap make it a reality
This webinar is for you if:
- you're at a career crossroads, but feeling stuck
- you want to figure out what to do next, but have too many ideas or none
- you're ready to find your dream, best-fit role: one that is energising and fulfilling?
I’ll help you to figure out your next dream career move
- Identify 1-3 inspiring ideas as to what to do next
- Figure out which idea is a best-fit
- Learn how to make the change safely in 3 steps.
Congrats on you great first post Nikki! Having just stepped into the blogging world myself I get how big of a deal it is to put yourself out there in this way. Good on you!
Thanks Susan!
Great analogy and quote! I agree that focusing on one’s strengths is essential. There’s too much focus today on what is wrong. I look forward to reading your future posts.
So true, thanks Shannon!
…. and ask the fish about different strengths in teams and how they work together BECAUSE they have something unique to bring to the table.
– Razwana
Thanks Raz, more coming up on who to partner up with. Absolutely, studies show that teams that play to their individual strengths improve the company bottom line and their wellbeing!
I love that quote. Great first post.
Thanks Emma!
Hey Nikki! So excited for you, and welcome to the blogosphere/web presence world. You are a welcome addition, and I look forward to your contribution.
Awesome first post – and great analogy. it creates a powerful visual that resonates and sticks with you.
Muchos Gracias Susi!!
Great blog, such a powerful metaphor and I love love love your philosophy. Thanks so much for sharing.
Thanks Liv, I love that you are in my cheer squad and your enthusiasm is AWESOME!!
Great post Nikki – I love that quote too! I think I first heard it in the context of early childhood development. If only we got it right with all youngsters at the beginning of life and through the school years, then we wouldn’t be struggling with this as adults – but then I guess you’d be out of a job! ;o) Look forward to your future posts x