Stasis is a period of inactivity or equilibrium. In these current times, everyone is seeking equilibrium. We are a high speed, multitasking, wired culture and we are losing our connection to each other as a consequence. Equalizing that requires slowing down, unplugging, and focusing on one, or at the most, two tasks at time as long as the other task does not compromise your ability to be present in the moment.
Everyone benefits. You are less anxious about deadlines, you are really listening and attending to your significant other, child, mother, father, or friend. You have real connections and therefore strong relationships to buffer times of stress. These are the things I ask my anxious clients to do often.
Take time to relax, breathe, and immerse yourself in present time experiences. Similarly, I urge depressed clients to have more pleasurable experiences with people that matter, to focus on the hear and now, and not on past regrets. Again, the goal is emotional and relational equilibrium, which is a positive outcome.
Yet, there is a negative side of stasis. If you are inactive the area of personal or professional growth, then you cannot rise to the next level of success. For example, you earned your college degree and obtained a job in your field. Now you have been entry level for over 5 years despite opportunities to advance. Stasis. Many people are in this state of inactivity due to fear. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and or fear increased responsibility. Some people have faulty ideas about what it means to be successful or in a management position. They think they have to be ruthless or heartless. They think they have to be dispassionate or unpopular. Admittedly, some business cultures may foster those types of managers, but it is not necessarily the rule nor does it mean that a compassionate manager is ineffective. Unless you embrace the disequilibrium inherent in professional and personal growth, you will remain in stasis and at risk for stagnation. Learn new skills. Fail your way to success. Accept the challenges and learn from each of them.
Stick with it long enough and you will achieve stasis again. Then, it is up to you to decide how long you will remain in that state and whether there is yet another opportunity for growth and change to be met. Choose wisely.
