THE 90-DEGREE SURPRISE

Setting goals and being in action breed success. This article looks at this phenomena and illustrates how this happens using the work of Buckminster Fuller as a reference point.
Taking a step back from the details of a project gives perspective on the overall goal. However, the greatest result of what is being done is often not seen. This article looks at the impact of being in motion and ‘on purpose' with what we do. It explores unexpected by-products that occur 90-degrees from where we focus our attention.

The late R. Buckminster Fuller – inventor, architect, engineer, mathematician, poet and cosmologist – labels this phenomena, ‘precession'. He says precession is, "The effect of bodies in motion on other bodies in motion producing 90 degreeness."

Precession is illustrated by the honeybee going about its business of eating the nectar from flowers. The bee does this for its own benefit. Stepping back from the detail of the bee gathering nectar, it becomes evident that the motion of the wings of the bee is having another impact. The wings - 90 degrees from the focus of the bee on the nectar - are picking up pollen from the flower. When the bee moves on to the next flower its beating wings will pollinate the flower. It is assumed that the bee is not aware of its role in the pollination process.

BEING IN MOTION

This lesson plays out in life repeatedly. We do something for a specific reason and something unexpected happens. About a year ago, I was meeting a former colleague for lunch to explore coaching possibilities within her company. While sitting in the waiting area of the restaurant I turned and idly chatted with a stranger. My lunch date arrived and the stranger asked for a business card and became a client. I went to the restaurant with the intent of getting a client through my connection. By being at the restaurant I had the opportunity to meet someone else. Unanticipated business resulted.

The key lesson to be drawn here is the importance of being in motion. When feeling stuck, it is easy to fall into the trap of inertia. Unfortunately, inertia breeds inertia. The best way out of a ‘stuck' place is to do something. Take a walk, make a phone call, get dressed up and go out, sit down and start writing. Do something that will get you in motion and moving toward your goals.

For instance, I often am not quite sure what I am going to write in my newsletter. I will have some ideas and even a few thoughts jotted down. But, I will not know where to begin. The cure that works over and over again is to sit down at the keyboard and start writing with the promise to myself that I can delete it all later. I find that I may need to do editing, but the core of the final piece falls into place easily and the delete option is rarely necessary.

BEING ON PURPOSE AND 90 DEGREENESS

One goal in writing my newsletter is to connect with you with something thought provoking each month. Another goal is that you keep me in mind if you or someone you know needs a coach. And what is the outcome? I may never know what you really get from my efforts. What I do know is that I feel connected when I write. I also feel nurtured by being able to gather my thoughts and express myself. Like the honeybee, I am nourished. And, my business is growing.

When we are ‘on purpose' it means we are engaging in life while in alignment with our values and goals. The immediate result is that we are nourished. The by-product is that we have set something in motion that will impact the world in ways we do not fully see.

My wish is that each of us lives a purposeful life and trusts that the unseen outcomes are perfect.

About the Author

BJ Sanders,is a certified coach working with successful professionals, technology executives, scientists and engineers on business and life issues. She is also publisher of the popular e-course found at: www.FiveStepsToAPassionateLife.com For a free subscription to her newsletter, send a blank e-mail to: bj-23216@autocontactor.com

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