Powering Through

Sometimes we face challenges as leaders that burn a tremendous amount of energy in the moment. That moment can last days or even weeks. That moment can be downright draining.

Did any of us really believe that leading was going to be easy?

Expectations

Oh to be twenty-seven again as I landed my first management job. I was fired up, ready to make a difference, and had absolutely no idea what I was doing.

Sure I had "learned" from ineffective leaders both at part-time gigs as a teenager, and again in my first corporate-type position. But watching others struggle, and having to literally walk in their shoes, are two very different things.

I started to realize that leading was going to be anything but easy.

Attitude Is Everything

The more I encountered difficult issues however, the more I decided to forge ahead. The greater the conflict, the more I knew that I should be in the middle of it and not running the other way. I came to appreciate how important a positive attitude was relative to effective leadership. I wanted more...even if I didn't know what "more" meant.

"I ask not for a lighter burden, but for broader shoulders."

– Jewish Proverb

How About You

Now that I have more leadership miles on me, I'm able to understand what it is that I need to keep going. Interpersonal skills, a strong internal and external network, and the courage to keep powering through are all essential parts of my leadership journey. What is it that helps you keep moving forward?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



photo credit

Flowers 'AND' Weeds

I put a lot of energy into (trying) to be a positive person. I'm talking...fired-up, today is awesome, I love everybody and everything...kind of positive. It's not fake, or insincere. It's who I am.

Being Human
Despite my commitment to being Mr. Positivity, I often do battle with an old nemesis when it comes to maintaining that positive focus:

My brain.

The self-talk machine that we all carry around in our heads can be a powerful foe. It's as if we've been hardwired to "go negative" when things happen. Right?

So many questions...
- Why did this happen?
- What could I have done differently?
- Will this create more problems for me down the road?
- Who is this going to impact?

But, wait a minute here. It's as if our brain is trying to trick us into watering the negative weeds that grow in our heads.

And the 'talk' persists...
- I am a failure.
- I am no good.
- I am embarrassed.
- I am losing it.

When does it stop?!

'AND'
I think the old adage of "powering through" in these moments doesn't really apply here (or anywhere for that matter.) Powering through negative feelings is simply not realistic or healthy.

Perhaps there is another way to reconcile that self-talk? 

AND.

Instead of the self-defeating messages we seem to have playing in a loop, maybe we could try a different approach.

"I made the wrong decision for the team; AND I am still a valuable member of the organization."

"I wish I had said something different in that moment; AND I'm thankful that relationship is still as strong as it ever was."

"When I look back, I can think of so many other things I should have done; AND I recognize that no one gets everything right...I'm human just like everyone else."

AND gives us perspective.
AND shows us a more complete picture of our world.
AND allows us to water those amazing flowers in our lives.
AND changes everything.

How About You
Maybe it's time you added one simple word into your self-talk monologue? It might make a really big difference.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

pic 

Pulling a Fast One

NEWSFLASH! - "I'm trying my best!"

In My Head

Despite what I think sometimes...

Despite what others want me to be...

Despite the pressure I'm under to be everything for everyone...

Despite the self-talk that occasionally tries to 'go negative'...

Despite the change in the world that is bad...

Despite my blind spots that miss all of the good things in the world...

Despite what I thought should happen...

Despite my failings...

Powering Through

So, instead I think differently..

So, instead I accept that I can not be 'that' person...

So, instead I accept the pressure and go for it anyway...

So, instead I battle my self-talk, and win the argument...

So, instead I take action against the bad...

So, instead I challenge myself to see more clearly...

So, instead I embrace what is happening...

So, instead I accept that I will struggle, and improve...

How About You

What do your battles look like...sound like...feel like? Even though I am part of an amazing community, there is always the internal struggle that is part of what makes each of us unique, and crazy, and special all at the same time.

Sometimes it can feel as if life has pulled a fast one on us. But the reality is that life is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. All we have to do is...try our best. 

Life is good!

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.