It’s Been a Minute
So…I think the last blog I wrote and posted was…two years ago. What the heck?! What’s behind that, I ask myself. If I’m gracious, the answer is that Lisa and I have been so much more focused on our Nova work that most of my writing and publishing has been there.
Or I rationalize that I’ve been working on Root to Rise, a guidebook for leaders, which will come out later this year.
But I think the answer is also bigger than that. When I look at what’s behind my not publishing here, I see parallels to the conversations I have with clients. (We teach what we need to learn – yes?) There are five topics that I cover constantly with my clients that are relevant to me and my writing as well.
It’s about being seen. Let’s face it: putting your voice out there is risky. People are quick to assess and quick to comment. Fingers crossed, it’s positive – but that’s not really the point, is it? Part of my role as a coach is to incite conversation. To ask the tough questions that other people might not ask. To provoke thought – and inspire conversation. And sometimes that leads to disagreement. Great! Different points of view are what make the world go around. How boring would life be if we all thought the same way! Have a POV? Get it out there!
Prioritize the priorities. Simple to say – harder to practice. Making sure that our time and energy are focused on the critical few that really matter makes a difference. Not sure where to start? A values-alignment exercise provides great insight into what’s important. Map your values to your calendar. Is your time spent on the people and work that’s most aligned to your values? If yes, great. If not, it sounds like it might be time for a change.
Eat the frog. I love this expression, and it’s one I remind myself often. Attributed to American author and humorist Mark Twain, the saying is that “if it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning.” Clear. Get your most unpleasant task out of the way first. Not that I find writing unpleasant, which is an interesting twist. What, then, gets in the way?
Perhaps…imposter syndrome. We all have that nagging voice in our head: the one that tells us we’re not good enough, or smart enough, or educated enough, or ______ (insert your “enough” here). But that’s the point: we ALL have that voice! I’ve worked with executives who run multimillion dollar businesses, or C-suite execs – even CEO’s – who question if they are “enough.” Comparison is good, and can be a healthy motivator, but when it gets in the way of our own progress and brilliance, that’s a flag. A coach who I work with suggests that imposter syndrome is a feature, not a bug: idea being we need challenge! We need a bit of motivation! If you’re the smartest person in the room, maybe you’re in the wrong room.
Just do it! Fun fact: Nike launched the JDI campaign in 1988. That makes this ad campaign just slightly younger than the average American worker (42 years old, FYI). Which means that many of us have grown up with the just do it mentality. So – what are you waiting for? Just do it!
Do any of these concepts resonate for you? I’m guessing – at some point – any or all of these may pop up. And when they do, take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and charge ahead. Because…. the other thing I always tell my clients….
You’ve got this!