What does My Delta mean and how can it help you achieve your goals?

Everyone has a delta—a unique space between where they are and where they want to be.

Welcome to my first blog post, where we delve into the concept of "My Delta." This idea often sparks curiosity, and my aim is to not only explain the essence of "My Delta" but also to share insights that can help you bridge your delta and achieve your aspirations.

The Journey of Building a Business

Starting a business from scratch is an extraordinary learning experience. When I embarked on developing my coaching and leadership business, I was determined to create something that truly reflected my values, identity and passions. I spent many hours contemplating and defining my exact purpose, identifying who I wanted to work with, and determining how I wanted to work.

My Background and Philosophy

When I embarked on developing my coaching and leadership business, I was determined to create something that truly reflected my passions, values and identity. The golden thread throughout my education, training and career has been empowering others to succeed in their own unique way. I love working with curious and innovative people who want to push the boundaries for themselves for the good of others. So it is no surprise that I find myself as a coach and trainer, working with purpose- driven leaders.

Coming from an educational background, I've worked with individuals ranging from young children to adults in the workforce. Educators will recognize Lev Vygotsky’s ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) model, where teachers support a child to advance their learning beyond their current capabilities. The educator’s job is to provide scaffolding and support that enables the child to progress with their learning. The skill is in providing the right level of support to enable the child to be more independent so what they can do on their own builds. This is not too dissimilar to the comfort zone model which is also about learning and growth.

The Comfort Zone Conundrum

You may be familiar with the ‘comfort zone’ model, encircled by the fear zone, the learning zone and the growth zone (there’s a similar but alternative model including a stretch zone and panic zone). We've all heard that staying in our comfort zone doesn’t foster growth. Interestingly, the comfort zone often isn't as comfortable as we think. Many people are not genuinely happy and feel an underlying urge to stretch themselves and ‘grow’. However, fear and uncertainty about change and moving forward can hold us back. 

Others are more confident facing the unknown but want to push themselves to the edge of the growth zone to see what they really can achieve. It also depends on the area of focus, some people are very happy to push themselves in one area of their life but not another.

Understanding My Delta

On a day out with a friend, she mentioned preparing for her performance appraisal and referred to ‘the delta’—the gap between her current sales and her end-of-year targets. This conversation prompted me to reflect on various meanings of delta:

• Mathematical Delta: A triangle (∆) representing the difference between two numerical points (a - b).

• Geographical Delta: A river mouth, often shaped like a triangle, where fresh water meets the sea.

Whilst working through a particularly difficult period of my life, I was inspired by Brene Brown’s "Rising Strong," where she discusses owning the truth of our stories to embrace change and move forward, I began to see the delta as the space between our current reality and our goals.

“We wade into the brackish delta with open hearts and minds because we’ve come to learn that the wisdom in the stories of our falls makes us braver.” —Brene Brown, Rising Strong.

The starting point is self-awareness. Truly knowing ourselves enables us to be brave enough to take that first step and feel confident enough to stretch our own boundaries. This is where the concept of My Delta comes in, it’s your space between a and b, it is your ZPD, your stretch zone.

I personally like the image of the river delta because often you are unsure of the challenges that lay ahead, beneath the murky water, and although you know you want to get to the other side it isn’t until you start the journey that you really clarify where you want to be.

Steps to Bridge Your Delta

Everyone has a delta—a unique space between where they are and the other side. Bridging this delta often involves overcoming significant obstacles, whether tangible or mental. It requires a commitment to deep thinking, an openness to challenge your own thoughts, and a curiosity to truly know yourself. You know that you want to get to the other side and some may have a clear view of where there want to go, others may require more clarity around their exact destination. If you are ready for that commitment and are prepared to be courageous, once you bridge your delta, you’ll not want to stop. You will have discovered the value of working through the discomfort in order to build the bridge and find the treasure at the other side. Success after all is the greatest motivator and once you have discovered how to lead yourself from your heart, then you will want to go further, build more bridges, and see the ripple effects of your work.

I firmly believe that with the right tools and approaches anyone can bridge their delta.

I've encountered several significant deltas in my life, including some that seemed almost insurmountable. One notable example is my fear of public speaking. As a teenager and in my twenties, despite being confident in familiar social settings, I would freeze and turn red when required to speak in formal situations. Those who have known me in the last decade would be surprised to learn this, as I am now confident speaking in front of hundreds and even enjoy it. Through self-awareness, high expectations, and taking one step at a time, I have successfully bridged this delta and many others. Now, I love helping others do the same.

Thought-Provoking Questions

In my next blog, I’ll be sharing my 8 step process to bridging your delta.

In the meantime, here are some questions to ponder:

• What deltas, however big or small, have you already bridged in your life?

• What personal strengths enabled you to do so?

• What delta would you like to bridge now?

• Where are you now in this area of your life?

• Where do you want to be? What would it look like and feel like if you were there?

• What difference would it make to you if you could build that bridge?

I help leaders bridge their delta and go beyond through high quality coaching and training. If you would like to work with me then please get in touch at tamara@my-delta.co.uk