Is your thinking above the line or below the line?
Edition 18 of Forward+
1 big idea worth considering.
Last week I wrote about the importance of aligning our time with our vision, which is the only way I know of to make our days reliably sane and productive.
But what about the mindset needed to align our intentions and actions?
That’s where the concept of above the line and below the line thinking comes in.
When we engage in above the line thinking, we are choosing to embrace a mindset of both possibility and responsibility. Not either, but both - that’s where the power lies.
It’s taking ownership of our actions, choices, and outcomes, and understanding that we have the power to shape our lives and move toward our goals, even (and especially) when it’s hard.
In contrast, below the line thinking tends to keep us trapped in a cycle of externalizing responsibility and viewing ourselves as products of circumstances. We perceive challenges as insurmountable obstacles rather than opportunities for growth. It robs us of agency and control. It hampers our ability to make informed decisions and take proactive steps toward our goals.
It’s the concept of a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset, packaged with a distinct dividing line between helpful thinking and unhelpful thinking. You can view that line as the moment to moment decision to choose growth over fixed.
But how can we apply above the line thinking in a useful and practical way?
Here’s 4 areas to think about.
Clarity Above the line thinking prompts us to gain clarity on our desired outcomes in different areas of life. By identifying our goals for work, health, and relationships we lay the foundation for the intentional use of our time.
Commitment Above the line thinkers take responsibility for their time and commitments. We commit to consistent action by blocking dedicated time on our calendar for activities aligned with our goals. Whether it's exercise, personal growth, or business development, we view these commitments as non-negotiable.
Priorities Above the line thinkers proactively prioritize their time to focus on activities that move the needle toward their vision. Instead of getting caught up in reactive, low-value tasks, we allocate sufficient time for meaningful work, personal development, and building relationships.
Growth Above the line thinkers embrace adaptability and continuous growth. We remain open to adjusting our schedules and strategies when necessary, always seeking opportunities to optimize our time and attention.
Above the line thinking is not a magic bullet. But it’s an incredibly useful tool. When we feel ourselves being pulled below the line by the throes of life, we have a visual standard that can help us shift back to a state and mindset that’s empowering, not disempowering.
Open > closed.
Growing > shrinking.
Learning > limiting.
Above > below.
2 questions worth asking.
Good questions are the root of good coaching, because inquiry has the power to spark ideas and uncover gold that lies just beneath the surface. Each week on Forward+ I share 2 questions that you can use with yourself, at work, or in your relationships.
Question 1: What is a recent situation where I used above-the-line thinking?
Question 2: What is a recent situation where I used below-the-line thinking?
No one is perfectly aligned with above-the-line thinking at all times. Nor should they be - life isn’t that cut and dry. But we can do what’s in our power to tilt the seesaw back in our favor by writing down actual situations where we’ve used both above-the-line and below-the-line thinking. That will help highlight both areas of strength and opportunities for growth in the areas that can trip us up.
3 links worth exploring.
🎧 Why is consciousness something worth talking about? (Philosophize This)
💡 A company replaced all of its managers with coaches. Employees became 20% more productive (and much happier). (Fortune)
💻 From prison cell to Nike’s C-Suite. The journey of Larry Miller. (Harvard Business School)
That’s a wrap for this week’s edition of Forward+.
💡 Have an idea for a future edition or an interesting link worth sharing? Just reply to this email! I’d love to hear from you.
🔥 I’m looking for leaders and future leaders that are ready to level up with Forward Coaching and the High Performance Leadership OS™️. Is that you?