Life is ALWAYS in session.
Even during these unprecedented times.
Even during a global pandemic.
And yes, even during personal challenges…like the one I’m facing right now.
I just self-evacuated from my home in Santa Cruz realizing it’s entirely possible I may lose it to a forest fire.
As a leader, it’s important to find balance between your health, your business and your people…even during hard times. So how do we navigate big emotions and personal challenges?
There are three reflections that are helping me get through my current challenges, and I want to share them with you.
(Check out my latest video here, “Leading During Hard Times”)
#1. Borrow A Trusted Friend’s Brain
As I was packing up my belongings to evacuate, I had so many thoughts in my mind.
I have a training call to lead tomorrow.
I have a major event to prepare for.
My clients need me.
My team needs me.
I may lose my home and almost everything I own to a raging forest fire.
So what did I do? I called a trusted friend who isn’t being affected by the fires. We talked through it, and she helped me figure out what to pack and how to balance everything on my plate in that moment.
The reality is: there are times when your brain is simply not enough. As a leader, you don’t have to do everything, especially during hard times. Sometimes you have to let go & rely on another brain’s power to get through.
#2. Give Yourself The Resources You Need
After evacuating with my cats and a few essential belongings, I realized there were still many conversions to be had. About my business, about the fires, about all the “what ifs.”
People were looking to me for answers. But I know I couldn’t make the important decisions because I was under-resourced.
So I took 90 minutes to do yoga.
It’s what I needed to think through everything at hand…and it was a service to myself, my clients and everyone around me who depends on me.
Only you know when you’re not in balance. You have to do the thing you know will help you restore that balance.
Take a 10 minute nap.
Meditate.
Practice your breath work.
Do whatever it takes to get back to yourself, even if you’re in the middle of a storm.
#3. Remind Yourself That Everything Has A Purpose
In the most challenging moments of evacuating my home, I remembered that hard times (and the hard work) are ultimately part of the reward of being a leader.
It takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears to run a business.
It can be excruciating. It can be maddening.
At times, you may feel frustrated, hopeless and ready to give up.
But let me tell you, sister. When you said “yes” to leadership, you established your message, your gift and your contribution to the world…and nothing on Earth can take that away from you.
The Earth may take my home in fire, but it can never take my message.
If you’re facing a challenge, please hear me when I tell you, “Don’t Stop.”
Everything you’re facing is designed to guide you to greater leadership and a clearer purpose.
The leader you’re becoming in this process is more available to show up for the people who need you and your gift.
Just don’t stop.
Let’s do this thing…together.
Love,
Sage
