8 Takeaways from the CoreSelf Positioning Book

I was recently gifted a copy of CoreSelf Positioning to Get on the Same Page, Literally: 8 Steps That Refine Our Current Position and Identify Our Best Action Plan by Tim Preston and Jonathan Thomas, MSW. I was asked what I thought about it and came up with these quick takeaways from what was a very thorough book!

Unlike similar books that describe others’ stories and how their book helped them through it, this book starts with a roadmap to insert YOUR story or situation into it and then tells you why it works! If you choose to (and I did), you can skip right to trying their CoreSelf Mapping process first. I thought about something I was struggling with and then dove in.

Here are my eight takeaways from my experience:

1. Slow Down. In a world that encourages speed, efficiency, and multi-tasking this book highlights the power of slowing down. And when I did, I connected with a part of myself that knows my experiences, beliefs, and potential. It helped me to have true “A-ha!” moments. 

2. Trust the Map to Get Where You Want to Be. I’d never considered using a framework, in this case a worksheet, to examine my problems or opportunities. Turns out structure is exactly what I needed to move from point A to B. 

3. Question Respectfully. This guideline encouraged me to raise questions that evoke curiosity, reflection and insight for myself and in partnerships. 

4. Start with a Single, Specific Situation. Sometimes I have a million things I’m worrying about, and it steals my energy. Slowing down and focusing on one situation allows me to channel my energy and get to a calmer place.

5. The Power of Who and Where. Simple triangles and circles helped me visualize who is involved in my situation, how I feel right now and where I would like to be emotionally. Again, by using a little structure to better visualize where I was really provided space to contemplate.

6. Practices & Values. This step in the framework was surprising, as it asked me to temporarily step outside the situation that I was examining and reflect/recall things I do that center me.I thought about being in nature and spending time with important people in my life.

   Next I was asked, “What value would I name each of these practices?” No one has ever asked me that and at first I wasn’t sure what to write… I came up with “connectedness” and “relationships”. This was interesting -- kind of a “new view” of what is important to me.

7. Thoughts, Plans & Resources. Returning back to my top-of-mind situation it seemed like my mind was buzzing with things I could do to get closer to “where I want to be.” I was jotting down thoughts and ideas that had never occurred to me before. As I was writing, I literally thought, “Wow, that was right in front of me and I never saw it!” It was also refreshing to see that I had already been making progress, I just hadn’t noticed.

8. An External Framework Unlocked My “Internal Observer”. I found the CoreSelf Mapping exercise incredibly insightful. I learned that I have an Internal Observer that: knows everything about me, can communicate with me with no judgement, and knows what I will and won’t do.  It knows my potential and wants to help me move to a better place in all areas of my life!

In fact, it just did.  The last question of the CoreSelf Map asked, “Have you moved any closer to where you wanted to be?” I looked back at my notes and I had!

These eight takeaways left me with fresh insights and a sense of comfort in knowing what I might do next in regard to my situation. Steps that could move me closer to where I wanted to be. The simplicity of the CoreSelf Map was refreshing in a world filled with complexity. Now that I know I have an Internal Observer, I’m going to put it to work on personal and work challenges. I’m off to do another map …

Curious? CoreSelf Positioning is available wherever you shop for books, in an audiobook format read by the authors, and an ebook for those desiring digital access. Buy the book today, and get a guided CoreSelf Map at 50% off!