Support Precedes Action
“Support Precedes Action” – 3 simple, yet very powerful words. The words were introduced to me over 20 years ago during my yoga teacher training. They were used in the context of support the body needs to move. For example, the body needs support of the floor to stand; support of blocks and blankets to achieve postures; support of a teacher to learn. Throughout my 2-year training, the question below was asked time and time again –
What support is needed before an action is taken?
During my training I began to ask the question outside of yoga and continue to do so today. It is a guiding question that sets me up for success. The question however has many layers and I have found that there are 3 lens to look through. They are:
What do you need? Be very clear on identifying exactly is needed to be successful. It is not what you want BUT what you need to be successful. Many of us want many things; AND what we actually need is very different.
How can you get it? Begin by asking support from professional colleagues and personal friends. People want to be helpful. While you may not get the exact support you need, it will usually point you in the right direction.
Where can you get it? There are multiple ways to obtain support. Consider them all, and then choose the one that provides you with exactly what you need. You want your choice to be effective and efficient for what you want to do.
We pursue success throughout lives. Keeping in mind the principle “Support Precedes Action” helps set the path to be successful. It provides a framework to think clearly and act confidently. Be it completing a project at work, pursuing a new career or learning a new hobby, ask yourself “What support is needed?” and put yourself on the path of success.