LOOKING BACK: THE VOTTA EXERCISE

The next step in the Votta Exercise is to pause and notice if there is anything that might hold you back from your new view. If, when you state your new view, any yeah-buts come to mind, then it’s time to look back.

Once I decided on the view, I deserve this, I asked myself if there were any immediate concerns. If I didn’t filter my thoughts, were there any potential road- blocks to experiencing the goal this way? For me, with this example, my answer was yes. There were some issues I wanted to take care of before my goal could become reality.

Make a list of any reasons why you think the new view you’ve chosen can’t or won’t happen. It can be about yourself. It can be about others. It could be about the goal itself. You don’t necessarily have to do anything about this list right now, but it’s an important step in this exercise. You can’t pretend those things aren’t there.

​Sometimes, it can be difficult to face our realities. Our minds so often invent beliefs that aren’t real or based on facts, and this goes for both ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ views. Some of my clients’ first take is very optimistic and positive, but also not “factual”. It can have limitations if it’s a subconscious choice, as opposed to something you put a little time and focus on. As you complete step four and reflect on your view of a situation, some of these kinds of thoughts from your past might come up. Recognize them for what they are and free yourself from the ways they hold you back. As a leader, it’s important to focus on moving the dial forward without letting the past get in your way.

Learn more about looking back in Chapter 5 of my book "Controlling the Pause"!