Dead Flies Don't Lie

I was in a coaching session recently when my client turned the tables on me.

We were working through a concept I’m developing. A fly lands on a windowpane. He can see the outside world, practically taste the freedom. So he pushes. Buzzes. Throws himself at the glass.

Wide open air. Freedom. He can see it.

He just can't get there.

So he tries harder. And again, over and over.

Now, look closer at that windowsill.

Dead flies. Not one, but several. All tried the same window. All gave everything they had. And, all lost.

Our fly sees them. He has to, right?

And he hits the window again anyway.

My client and I sat with one question for a long time.

What is that fly thinking?

Is he thinking this time will be different? Has the window become so familiar that turning around feels like quitting? Is what looks like persistence actually fear wearing a disguise?

Then my client looked at me.

"Okay, Chip. What's your window?"

Didn't have to think long.

Social media. Same approach, same content, and the same result. Window. Dead flies. Repeat. Writing — this newsletter, another book — is probably my open door. Still figuring that out though. But identifying the window was the first step.

Your window probably looks different. But you have one.

Maybe it’s the business approach that worked in 2019 and hasn’t since. Maybe it’s the relationship pattern you keep repeating and calling it bad luck.

Different windows, but the same dead flies. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a business owner, a mom, or just someone trying to be better: Everyone has a window. Don’t exclude yourself from this one.

Three questions worth sitting with this week:

• What have you tried repeatedly that keeps delivering the same result? Identify it, and be specific.

• What would you attempt if you stopped doing that?

• Where is the open door you’ve been walking past? Ask someone close to you — they may already know.

The door doesn't look like the window. That's the point. It's usually quieter. Less familiar. Maybe a little uncomfortable.

But it's open.

Beyond the Noisewas written for the fly at the window. Grab your copy here.

P.S. If you’d like help identifying your window and finding your door, let’s talk. Schedule a free call here.