It’s Monday morning and there you are – back at work.
Are you rested? Are you recharged?
Did you make memories over the weekend? Did you do something for yourself or loved ones that make the hard work worthwhile?
Too many leaders fail to take care of themselves. While willing to jump into long days, difficult challenges and family sacrifices – when it comes to self-nurturing, many don’t do do so well!
Maybe you can relate – you wouldn’t be alone.
While I empathize – it’s sad to see people let month after month or year after year go by and not invest in themselves.
I advocate for you to invest in your self.
Find a passion. Start a hobby. Launch a dream.
It doesn’t need to be radical. For most of you there’s an idea just below the surface or in the back of your mind right now.
Learn to play the guitar. Take up photography. Complete a family tree. Donate time at a local charity. Participate in local theatre.
The possibilities are endless.
The point is to do something for you. Something for a bigger purpose than work alone can provide. Something to put a spark in your eye for even a short amount of time.
It is not a selfish act – it’s an essential act.
Do it and see. The amount of energy, enthusiasm, perspective, learning and sense of purpose gained is well worth the effort. I’ve seen so many leaders benefit from having a dream and living it.
Try this:
- Dare to dream – take time to think about and write down your dreams/desires. I actually have a dream book that my wife and I both add to – it works well.
- Revisit and add to the list on a regular basis – it should be a living document.
- Select one or two of the items on your list. Start small – don’t pick the “live on a beach for a year” as your first effort. Consider the “learn yoga” or “start playing the piano” or “learn to fly” or “become my son’s Scout Master.” You get the idea.
- Seek the support of relevant people in your life. This works best when loved ones help your efforts (not resent them).
- Begin. Start. Launch. Just do it. Pick the phase you like, but make it happen!
- Watch and monitor the results.
- Take the concept to your employees. Help them dream. Teach balance and perspective in their lives. Play it forward.
If you give it a try – let me know how it goes.
If you already figured it out – share some tips for the rest of us!