Are You Riding the Elevator of Life, or Just Stuck in the Lobby?

At any given moment in life, we’re either going up, going down, or—let’s face it—stuck on the same floor, gazing at the walls. But here’s the kicker: some of us are riding the elevator without even realizing what button we’ve pressed! While a few are coasting upward on pure luck, others are slowly descending without even noticing. And trust me, that ‘flatline’ button? Not as safe as it seems.

Now, you might say, "But hey, I’m perfectly happy right here on this comfortable floor!" Sure, it's cozy in the status quo lounge, but here’s the bad news: the world’s moving, and if you’re standing still, you’re about to get trampled. It’s like standing still on a fast-moving treadmill—eventually, you’re gonna faceplant!

The Luck Riders and Flatlanders

Let’s start with those folks who seem to be moving up purely on luck. You know the type—things just seem to fall into place for them. But here’s the rub: luck runs out. One minute, you’re sipping your best espresso in your favorite café, and the next? You’re free-falling down the elevator shaft, wondering what just happened. “Hey, wait, did I miss a memo?”

Then there are the flatliners—the people who’ve hit ‘pause’ and are loving the view from their comfortable, unchallenging plateau. But life doesn’t stay flat for long. Imagine sitting on an inflatable raft, gently bobbing on the ocean. Nice, right? Until the air starts leaking. If you don’t pump it back up, well, it’s only a matter of time before you’re swimming with the sharks.

And of course, there are the downward spiralers. The worst part? Some of them don’t even realize they’re heading south until they crash. It’s like flying in a plane and not noticing you’re losing altitude until the oxygen masks drop down.

The Conscious Movers

Now, let’s talk about the people who actually know what they’re doing—the conscious movers. These folks have goals and purposefully hit the ‘up’ button. They’re grinding, hustling, and working to reach higher floors. Sure, they might sweat a bit as they climb, but they know exactly where they’re headed.

Then there are those who intentionally slow down or even go down a few floors, but it’s all part of the master plan. Think of them as mountain climbers who pause to acclimate before ascending to greater heights. They’re not quitting—they’re just taking a breather before they make the final push to the summit. However, if they rest too long, they risk sliding back down, and trust me, it’s a lot harder to start climbing again from the basement.

The Spiral Effect: Your Choices Matter

What most of us forget is that our choices are like pressing buttons in life’s elevator. Every decision we make sets us on a spiral—upward or downward. Ever notice how one little bad choice can snowball into a full-on disaster? It’s like ordering that “just one” slice of cake, which somehow turns into a daily dessert habit. Before you know it, you’ve spiraled into poor health, your energy is down, and your quality of life is circling the drain.

On the flip side, good choices can create upward spirals. Choosing to eat healthy today means more energy tomorrow, which leads to better performance at work, which leads to more success, which leads to…you get the picture. It’s like turning on the escalator of success—each step lifts you higher, and your positive momentum becomes unstoppable.

Reflect and Reset

Here’s the million-dollar question: Where are you on the elevator of life? Are you rising, falling, or just…stuck? Take a minute, hit ‘pause,’ and reflect. If you’re heading down, don’t panic! Dig into the root causes. Maybe it’s time for a little self-assessment—or even better, call in the big guns. A coach can help you see what’s invisible to you and guide you toward that elusive ‘up’ button.

Here are a few insights to take home:

1. Luck Doesn’t Last Forever – If you’re relying on luck, beware: it’s the world’s most unreliable elevator operator. Start making intentional moves.

?2. Comfort Zones Are Traps in Disguise – Being comfortable isn’t always safe. If you stay too long in the status quo, life will eventually push you off the ledge.

3. Downward Spirals Start with Small Choices – One bad choice can lead to a series of events that drags you down. Be mindful of your daily decisions.

4. Good Choices Create Momentum – Positive choices build on each other, turning a single step into an escalator of success. Start small, and let the good choices multiply.

5. Reflection is Key – Take time to check where you are in life. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to get help from a coach or mentor to steer you in the right direction.

So, what’s it gonna be? Are you content with staring at the lobby walls, or is it time to press ‘up’ and start rising to new heights? Just remember: life’s an elevator, and only you control the buttons!