The Up To Something Movement

The Up-to-Something Movement

By Dottie Gandy and Rita Bailey*

Given the times in which we live, and the changes impacting every aspect of our lives, economically, spiritually, morally, and relationally, we have the perfect opportunity to determine future choices by design rather than default. Now more than ever, we can be intentional about what we’re up to. We are extending an open and standing invitation for you to elevate your response to “what’s up?” from “not much” to an opportunity to share with others a compelling and exciting answer.

What exactly does it mean to be up to something in your life? Well, you may be up to something if…..

You decided to take your dreams off hold and go public with your private vision.

You turned a transition into a transformation..

The economy provided the perfect opportunity to reinvent yourself.

You traded in your career for your “calling.”

You chose to “rewire” instead of retire.

Consider these individuals who are up to something:

A woman who was “downsized” from her senior leadership role at an impressive international company, only to follow her passion to open an art gallery (with no background or education in art) and managed to do this while raising quadruplets at the same time (The gallery and the quads are now 14 and prospering.)

A furloughed airline pilot who managed to open 12 orphanages in Africa while she was “in between” jobs.

The corporate executive who left fame and fortune behind to run a hugely successful non-profit outreach center, because this is where he is “spiritually fed.”

The young man who thought his next career was as a fire walk instructor, only to create a premier leadership firm now nationally recognized for its contribution to conscious capitalism.

The woman who started with a Fortune 100 firm as a secretary with a high school degree, leaving that same company 21 years later as one of its corporate officers (and with a Master’s Degree.) She created and now directs a year long program for women called “The Power of Self.”

The women who turned her passion for basketball into coaching “seniors” (and she’s in her 70’s.)

If you’ve found yourself grappling with any of the following questions, it may be time for you to become an “up to something” person.”

What is the “call” you’ve heard one or more times in your life?

What can you let go of that you’ve been holding on to?

Where are you taking the easy way out?

If you didn’t need anyone’s permission (including your own) what would you do?

What’s one thing you know if you don’t do in this lifetime, you will forever regret?

Isn’t now the right and perfect time for you to begin your own up to something journey?

Tips for Starting an Up to Something Group

The sole purpose in creating an up to something group is to unite persons who are intentional about – and

committed to – creating the lives they desire and deserve.

Set an intention to encourage diversity within your members, including people of different races, ages, gender, social viewpoints, (levels in the organization if done in a business location) etc. There is something refreshing about getting input and support from people you might not otherwise have an opportunity to engage.

Set a specific time and frequency for meeting, so that members can plan their schedules accordingly. Our group meets the 3rd Friday of each month, usually in the home of one of our members, from 9:00 a.m. – noon.

Limit group size to a maximum of 10-12, although starting with a smaller number may be appropriate. Seven years into our group’s life, we can count on 5-9 people showing up for each meeting.

It is not necessary for all group members to know one another before deciding to join the group.

Designate someone as the “point person” for sending out monthly e-mail reminders about meetings, etc.

It is important for members to come with a willingness to share deeply and authentically about their hopes, dreams, desires, and challenges, both personally and professionally. We come with an intention to let the heart lead our dialogue.

What is said in the room stays in the room. This insures a level of trust seldom experienced in other groups.

No fixed meeting agenda is necessary. Our meetings consist entirely of a “check in” format, taking as long as necessary for each person to feel complete in what he or she has come to share. Sharing what you’re up to rather than describing what you’ve been doing prompts a different kind of dialogue.

Unconditional support can sometimes mean offering a different perspective; it does not mean making another person wrong or raining on their parade. Unconditional love can also look like candor.

The richness of conversation is what makes an Up-to-Something group so special. How the members listen to one another determines how much safety and support people will feel. The quality of listening is what opens the door for the speaker to be willing to be challenged to grow into their full potential. Members “listen” to each other with the intention to hear each other’s underlying commitments, potential for fulfilling their creative expression in the world, for their greatness, and for the limiting beliefs and barriers that may be holding them back. Feedback is offered to each other as a possibility, not “the truth” and is wrapped in love and delivered with compassion. Judgment is suspended when another is sharing.

Be open to making powerful connections that can positively impact both your work and personal life. Many in our group have formed both business and personal alliances with other members because the trust level is so high.

Follow up support, engagement, or other contact with a member between meetings, also happens. Many of us have become quite close as friends.

At your first meeting, to create a model for an enriching conversation, you may want to ask attendees to write down and then share their responses to the following questions:

*Which of your dreams or goals do you still have on hold?

*If you had 10 times the resources you do now (time, money, etc.) what would you do?

*If you were 10% bolder, what is something you would say, do, or try?

*Be prepared to share in the joy and riches that naturally evolve over time when these groups are formed.

If you would like additional input or support in starting an “up to something” group contact

dottie@uptosomething.com or rita@uptosomething.com

*Dottie Gandy and Rita Bailey are the co-creators of The Up to Something movement. Both have enjoyed careers with Stephen Covey and Southwest Airlines, respectively, and are now authors and successful entrepreneurs. They are members of the original Up to Something Group started in Dallas, TX, in 2002. They are currently co-authoring a book on what it means to be up to something in your life as well as speaking, delivering workshops and providing Up to Something coaching for individuals and organizations.