Key Distinction · 07
Qualification is the Enemy of Performance
Qualification makes another statement less absolute — a way to dodge the possibility space. Interrupt the pattern.
Qualification is the enemy of performance.
It is human nature to develop stories to explain why things are the way they seem to be. While context can be valuable, it can also quickly divert into behavior that we verbally acknowledge as Qualification.
Qualification is a statement or assertion that makes another less absolute. It is a tactic used to diminish something that disagrees with your Way of Being or interpretation of the world.
Qualifiers use stories, explanations, excuses and reasons to dodge the possibility space. Consider a time when you spent more energy explaining why something happened versus resolving the problem itself. We refer to this as your internal press secretary hard at work — that secretary’s job being to defend your Ways of Being.
Qualification is both observable and felt by others.
We qualify when we make a mistake instead of owning up to it. We qualify to lessen the blow of saying something potentially stupid. We qualify when we have interpersonal issues with others.
Qualification is an important pattern to interrupt, as it often takes root in past habits and accepted Ways of Being.