Work-Life Rhythm

Perpetual devotion to what a man calls his business, is only to be sustained by perpetual neglect of many other things. ~ Robert Louis Stevenson, Virginibus puerisque, 1881 ~

Being singularly minded will help you gather success…but only, in that one place.  Well-rounded success means that you tend to all areas of your life.  Success in business can be a lonely road if you do not fill it with other interests besides your business.  It can make you off kilter.  Keep in mind, though, finding balance may never happen.  It's like multi-tasking in that it assumes you can do many things at the same time but, it's impossible to hold more than one thought in your mind at a time. 

In the pursuit of balance, it is also, not always possible to be at work, at play, with family or taking care of yourself all at the same time.  It's impossible to give everything equal time.  Instead of beating yourself up trying to find balance, which can be stressful and unhealthy.   Look to find a rhythm, instead.  Some time is better than no time.  As a leader you should set  the example of success and health.  Which can be accomplished by devoting regular time away from your business and toward other meaningful pursuits.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

"I will  pursue and devote time to non-business activities."

Make Fear Give You The Edge

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. ~Maori Proverb ~

For many of you there are very real and valid reasons to worry.  Fear keeps you alert and warns of danger.  It is a necessary part of your emotions.  Worry and fear will never go away for anyone.  The difference maker is how you deal with fear and worry.  You can let it eat at you and occupy important areas of the brain - where you need to think.  Use the alertness that fear provides to get focused.  Some leaders feed on danger and risk because it can be very exciting.    As a leader, know that risk means that you have the opportunity to grow and flourish.  With risk comes fear but with fear, can come bravery.  Trust that you will prevail and overcome.  Instead of fear ruling you - use it's energy to create success.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

"I will use fear to my advantage - with it, I will be more alert and focused."

Hard Or Just Boring?

We excuse our sloth under the pretext of difficulty. ~ Marcus Fabius Quintilian ~

You have money for the things you really want to buy and you have time for the things that are really important to you.  When you stop to record what you really spend your time doing, you may amaze yourself.  How many times have you thought about the things you want to accomplish only to begin to think of reasons not to finish or even start? Perhaps you haven't worked on it because you aren't very passionate about that project or task. So you make excuses, such as it being to hard.  And why not?  Labeling something as "difficult" is more appealing than "boring."  You think if you tell yourself or others that if something is difficult then it's excusable.  

As a leader, you will have to do things that you really don't want to do.   Some are fun and exciting, some are not.  It might be more fun to clean your bathroom grout with a toothbrush than do some of the many tasks necessary to lead.   Attaining our goals usually means doing some things we don't enjoy doing.  Change the way you look at these mundane tasks.  They are an important component- find joy that you will see the end result and it will make the tasks more likeable - a la Huckleberry Finn!  No more excuses.


"I will find joy and take action in all my tasks."

Be Humble; Be Noble

Be humble for you are made of earth, Be noble for you are made of stars. ~ Serbian proverb ~

There is a duality that exists in leadership.  You must, at the same time, be a  charismatic-confident-visionary and a humble-inclusive-servant.  Leaders must be touchable but also special.  Do you accept both roles?  Can you see how the best leadership must find a way to practice assertiveness and humility?  People only follow those who are sure of themselves.  They will follow you if you feel you can lead the way.  At the same time, arrogance will not get you the respect you need to lead - think of it more as a special ability that is not about you but about the purpose or mission. Remember, this ability is a gift and you must be gracious.  True, it is a fine line, but there are no options to only be one or the other.  Lead with your head held high and your arms held out.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

I will be humble and confident in my abilities.

Fear Can Make You Stronger

Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles. ~ Alex Karras ~

When was the last time you exercised your courage?  Each fearful moment in life gives you the opportunity to strengthen your courage.   In these moments you have two choices, retreat or advance.   Retreating can give you the chance to review and decide if there is another way, a less risky way.  This can be a good thing but it will not make you stronger.  Advancing, however, builds your courage.  Every time you practice courage it gets stronger. 

It might not feel like it because when you put yourself out there you might get hurt.  But those injuries do not have to mean that you can't courageous again.  They don't have to be fatal, it depends on how important it is to continue moving forward.  As a leader, you set an strong example if you venture on despite the wounds, despite the fear...despite the "what ifs" - sometimes that is just what you have to do - to become stronger.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

I will strengthen my spirit by being courageous.

Manipulate Your Own Mind

The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven. ~ John Milton ~

You can be your worst enemy when it comes to your mind!  Try, instead, to be an ally to yourself.  Take the time to manipulate your own head.  Decide now if you want to enjoy being a leader or if it is a burden.  It's all up to you and how you want to think about it.  If you are not happy with your chosen path, take a moment to reflect. If you have decided that it will be awful, then you will find every reason to make yourself right. However, if you don't want to live in negativity, can you simply make it better by thinking it?  Perhaps - but only if you believe you can and only if you want to do it.  As a leader, it's up to you to set the tone for others.  They are watching you for cues.  What you do they do, so set a great example.  You have the ability.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

"I will decide right now to find enjoyment in my journey as a leader."

Choose Inspiration Over Manipulation

"Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower ~

Motivating other people is part manipulation and part inspiration.  Which one would you rather practice?  Inspiration?  No doubt.  However, have you assessed your behavior lately? How much of your time is spent as a motivator and how much is spent as an inspirer?  Be brutally honest.   No one is in your head right now.  If you answer manipulator more than 20% of your time, you will need to revisit your values.  Don’t make excuses about why you practice manipulation over inspiration.  The first reaction might be to justify your behavior.  Stop.  The second reaction could be guilt or regret.  Stop.  If you are a victim, you are not a leader.

To begin to flip manipulation into inspiration review your values.  Are your behaviors in alignment with your principles?  Next, what is your agenda?  Is it about you or them? Do you feel confident or fearful?  How well do you know the people you lead?  Have you taken the time to know what matters to them?

As a leader, you must operate within your values system.  If you are fearful, act courageous.  Get to know others sincerely and have faith in them.  Lead from the heart and you will be an inspiration.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

“I choose to lead with inspiration.”