ANNA GIBSON

Q. If you could have one gigantic billboard with anything on it - metaphorically speaking, getting the message out to billions of people - what would it say and why?

“Let go or be dragged.” I think this is the most basic choice we all have as we move through the world – flow with life or resist it. When I dig in, the more life tends to slap me around, but when I judo roll with the punches, life is much more peaceful and enjoyable. This doesn’t mean give in, though. There are definitely things worth fighting for in life, and things worth resisting, I just think it’s worth it to be intentional about the choice.

Q. What is an unusual habit or absurd thing you love?

I have a macaroni and cheese habit. A bad one. If it’s on the menu, I’m ordering it. It’s that simple.

Q. What are bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?

I think that, in general, advice is a bad policy. I think exploratory questions and empathy get people 90% of the way there, but I could stand to take a little more of my own advice on that.

Q. In the last 5-10 years, what have you become better at saying ‘no’ to? What new realization and/or approaches helped?

The most important lesson I’ve learned in the last ten years is that in order to truly help others, it is imperative to build my personal capacity to do so by taking care of myself. Airlines understand this: it’s the “put on your own oxygen mask first” principle. When I finally started to say “no” and set boundaries when I didn’t have the energy to help (even though I very much wanted to), I suddenly had more space to care for others in a more authentic, meaningful, and lasting way. I’ve had to learn the distinction between selfishness and self-care the hard way, but it serves my clients (and myself!) so much better when I give myself that permission.

Q. In the last 5-10 years, what fear have you overcome? How did you overcome it?

I feel afraid every day of lots of things. It’s a cliché, but I do something every day that scares me even though it scares me. Many of my fears have gotten better over time and with practice, but I don’t overcome them. I befriend them and I don’t let them hold me back.