Did you know that everything is 3D in my mind? When I read a book, listen to a podcast, or even think about time, I perceive it all in layers and structures.
Take time, for example: I see it as cubes, each representing chunks—5-, 10-, or 15-minute increments. It’s great for time-batching but overwhelming when I need to jump between tasks or push “work” into spaces meant for family. (Don’t even get me started on when my kids’ school started at 8:24 and ended at 3:47. It made no sense!)
Seasons? Those are circular in my mind. Winter is at the bottom, summer at the top, with spring and fall on either side, all neatly divided into months and weeks. It’s all very clear…until something disrupts the flow.
And my “favorite” cold outreach—or arguments. I visualize the interaction and script ahead of time, but if the conversation deviates, I freeze. Of course, I think of the perfect responses later—usually in the shower 🙂
Here’s the irony: I was an elite basketball player. If there’s one sport that’s fast-paced and unpredictable, it’s that. Ten people and a ball, constantly moving, with every play influencing the next. You’d think I’d be a natural at improvising.
But looking back, I realize I wasn’t always playing by my rules. I spent cycles feeling invincible, only to crash into self-doubt, wondering what was wrong with me. Now, I see it differently.
My heightened sensitivity to physical sensations, energy, and environment (I’ve since learned this is called being a “subtle kinesthetic person”) helped me develop muscle memory and precision. That was my strength—not “winging it.”
The funny thing is, the same pattern showed up in business. After $200k-worth of coaches telling me to cold call, put myself out there, and hustle, I executed with everything I had…only to hear crickets. I kept wondering what I was missing—what was wrong with me.
Turns out, nothing was wrong. I just wasn’t playing the game my way.
While I am (still) waiting for & working towards that specific breakthrough, I’m getting closer to realizing this:
:: The way we see the world shapes how we navigate it.
:: We can’t force ourselves into methods that don’t align with how we’re wired.
:: Whether on the court or in life, it’s about finding the flow that works for you.
Have you had similar moments? Where you realized the traditional path just wasn’t yours?
Let’s share stories—I’d love to hear yours.
Sara
Mentor. Speaker. Author.