Thinking partners make a huge difference in our lives. Even when we don’t immediately need them, there’s comfort in knowing we have people we trust to go to with our questions and concerns. But what about those times when there is no trusted advisor around to help? When we are all we have? Many years ago, during one of those times in my own life, I created a statement that helped me move forward in moments of uncertainty:
“I am courageously standing in the unknown, dancing in diversity, igniting the heart and soul of humanity, with an explosion of joyful self-expression. I am an adventure of a lifetime.”
Practicing this taught me that, at the times when we feel there is nothing else we can do, we can stand with courage and face what we do not yet understand. In those moments, when fear of the unknown threatens to steal our joy, diminish our vision, and stop our momentum, we can stand with courage and face whatever comes.
I still practice this when I need to get out of my own head, away from the doubts, uncertainties, and stinkin’ thinkin’ trying to hold me back or pull me down. Sometimes, we’re stuck. We don’t have the knowledge or perspective we need to feel complete. And that’s okay.
It’s been said that the oldest and strongest human emotion is fear. And the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown, so it’s no wonder that is feels so natural to try to look for a familiar reference point and try to make the unknown, known. My encouragement for you, today, is to understand it’s possible to stand in the unknown with a completely new awareness, to allow the unknown to create a new awareness: a new idea, a new solution, a new perspective. This happens best when we give ourselves permission to be courageously present in the unknown. So, next time you find yourself stuck because of something unfamiliar or uncertain, try this and see if it fits:
“I am courageously standing in the unknown, dancing in diversity, igniting the heart and soul of humanity, with an explosion of joyful self-expression. I am an adventure of a lifetime.”
Create a great day.
Curiosity and other ways to conquer fear
Every leader hopes their decisions and demeanor will inspire trust in those around them. Every leader also experiences fear. We fear different things and manage that fear in different ways. These fears hinder us from making the shift to being a more authentic and...
How influential leaders earn trust
Ask most people how to earn trust and expect to hear something along the lines of “keep your word…” or “live up to expectations…” While these are important aspects of building trust in any relationship, these are not the only ways to earn and maintain trust. Consider,...
This key shift will help you become a more influential leader
Sometimes, leadership feels harder than it should be. Certain things need doing, your team is clear on the objective, and those action items still aren’t getting done. Even when they are, you can feel the lack of enthusiasm for the work. Sometimes it manifests as...
What game are you playing?
Have you ever considered how the language you use affects your ability to be an influential leader? When you listen to how some leaders speak, it sounds like their team is competing for a Super Bowl ring. “Crush the competition…” “Let’s be #1…” “Tackle that...
These key insights into Millennials can energize your organization
Hey leaders, did you know your real job is not ‘being in charge’? Your chief responsibility is taking care of those who look to you to lead them. That was the message delivered by author and international leadership development consultant Simon Sinek during a recent...
Autocrat or Influencer? Take the Quiz!
Most leaders don’t like to think of themselves as autocrats. Domineering people who lead by denigrating others and expect total obedience. However, in many cases, if you speak to employees or even other leaders in an organization, they have little trouble pointing out...
0 Comments