The transition from military service to civilian life can be both exhilarating and daunting. We’ve dedicated years and missed many precious moments while serving the country, developing a strong sense of duty to our units and each other, honor toward the values supporting that which we defend, and leadership among our peers and colleagues across a cross-section of agencies. Now, you're exploring a new landscape coupled with unfamiliar routines, career paths, and social dynamics. For many veterans or people in transition, the challenges during a reorganization can be high. Some challenges include changing jobs or roles, reintegrating into a civilian community or neighborhood, and reorienting oneself and one’s family toward a renewed sense of purpose beyond previous experiences and military service. It's definitely a period of self-discovery, exploration, and personal and professional development. And while it can require one’s full attention, the good news is that much of those past skills and knowledge gained and in military service are more valuable than ever. Consider, you’re disciplined, dedicated, and resourceful; these advantages will ensure you smoothly transcend into your new chapter. This post looks at how the principles we gained of servant leadership, authentic leadership, and Aparigraha (a yogic concept of non-attachment) empower you, facilitating purpose, self-actualization, and accomplishment post-transition. Internal Leadership: Following Your Choices with Aparigraha Effective leadership begins with self-leadership. Granted, the military instilled and stressed many mundane aspects to living within that environment. Those tasks were important skill-building roles for the demanding opportunities that were to come later as we progressed in rank and position. The cumulative effect of those tasks confirmed the importance of discipline, responsibility, decision-making, and strategic thinking. The time has now arrived for you to consider your community and yourself as you apply those skills to deliver your future, your higher self now:
Leading Authentically through Integrity and Purpose Authentic leadership is all about you. It's about your leading yourself using your true self. There’s nothing gimmicky in this because you’ll be leveraging and capitalizing on your strengths, experiences, and values. It’s nothing more than what you’re capable of: Inspiring and connecting with others. Let’s explore a few methods to cultivate authentic leadership: Liberate LIMFACS: Your dedicated service played a significant part of your identity. But it doesn't entirely define you going forward unless you want it to. Equally, it doesn't command nor order your future. Embrace the unique skills and experiences you acquired while discovering and promoting new facets of yourself. Being called by a military title is unique when measured against the whole of society, and that uniqueness has personal and professional salience because it required disciplined effort to attain. Yet, outside of the military or government setting, its uniqueness suffers because the title is tied to a hierarchy you now have power to transcend at will. This parallels Aparigraha because of the letting go, the release from the limitation of your identity being coupled to military service. You are on your own terms. Vulnerability as a New Strength: Don't hesitate to share your story of transition. (I’ll be the first one to admit that I am.) And I know many veterans face similar challenges. But I also know that sharing experiences fosters connections with others, and may possibly inspire them on their own journeys. This vulnerability becomes a form of authentic leadership, a means of paying ‘it forward.’ Our individual and collective vulnerability, wearing ‘it’ on our sleeves gives witness as relatable, liberating limitations, attachments and perceptions to a perfect or stoic image (Aparigraha). Value-Driven Decision Making: Live your values in every aspect of your life. This is challenging, no doubt. But, over time, every decision (no matter how significant) not only builds external trust and respect with others, but more critically with yourself as you flex your values. Others witness your evolution as you embody and personify the values you carefully cultivate. Your steadfast commitment to personal integrity and service will externally signal to your community highlighting your authentic leadership style. Others Before Self: As many of us can attest, servant leadership emphasizes the needs and growth of others. Due to this external approach and perspective, servant leadership reinforces and aligns with the meaning of service many veterans possess. So, let’s move to the drill pad to consider a few ways to integrate servant leadership principles:
Aparigraha: Letting Go for Growth I realize that we’ve only taken a cursory view of Aparigraha. However, here in this section we'll look a bit deeper into this yogic philosophy. Loosely, but approximately close, Aparigraha means non-attachment or non-possession. This non-attachment or non-possession can be applied to an extensive array of tangible and intangible connections. From a book, to a feeling, to a memory or thought Aparigraha holds salience through letting go, giving it back ‘to the universe’ so to speak. This giving back or letting go of unnecessary or previous attachments, is helpful as some of those attachments may no longer be helpful or relevant, some may have hindered personal growth. This aspect of change facilitates innovation, not just of a product, or some novel artifact, methodology, or process. On a much grander scale, and more personally profound, Aparigraha informs potential opportunities. Let’s take a look how Aparigraha may support your transition:
Beyond Ease: Scaffolding a Self-fulfilling Life The transition from military service is a significant life-impacting change, because you’ve freely given your life in the service of something bigger than self. However, it's also an fantastic occasion to realize new passions that you may have been unable to previously pursue. It’s also a time that you may opt to contribute your skills in impactful ways. With these ideas in mind, consider these additional thoughts for scaffolding a life beyond service, touched by Aparigraha:
Leading Your Way to Your Future You’ve honed a host of skills from military service – leadership, discipline, teamwork, and problem-solving. These are invaluable assets in the civilian world. By leveraging your strengths, the principles of self-reflection, servant leadership, and Aparigraha, you’re far more capable to direct your transition with purpose, fulfilling a future you design. Embracing Aparigraha, servant leaders nurture a leadership style motivated toward empowerment, shared success, and collective well-being. This stance provides the lift over the acquisition of personal gain or validation, delivering an authentic and satisfying leadership experience. It’s not just the leader who gains. When Aparigraha is practiced multi-dimensionally servant leaders promote an environment where trust, collaboration and innovation are built and perpetuated, reinforced. Through the daily practice, teams and colleagues feel and reciprocate value, the sense of empowerment, and motivation to contribute their best selves not just for themselves, but for the good of the team (and the whole support system) they represent. This compounded synergy ultimately leads to heightened performance, increased personal and professional satisfaction, and a more positive organizational culture. The path of servant leadership fueled by Aparigraha is not without challenges. Letting go of attachment to previous roles and identities, outcomes, and recognition can be a continuous process. Bear in mind that many of those previous attachments were built over extended periods of time, becoming reinforced through habit. However, the potential rewards of letting go are significant. By integrating the principles previously touched on, leaders have the capacity to cultivate a meaningful and impactful leadership style that inspires and empowers others while fostering a thriving and successful organization. As we’ve explored Aparigraha and its servant leadership connection, we touched on its potential for a transformative approach to leading others. Through service, empowerment, and collective success, leaders promote positive and productive work environment not just for the good of themselves, but the benefit of their teams. - Sven Numerous industries thrive on ambition. We live in a world built by dreamers and doers, constantly sprinting toward innovation and disruption. For high-achievers like Ashley, this fast-paced environment can be incredibly stimulating. You push boundaries, achieve incredible things, and leave your mark on the world. But somewhere along the climb, the exhilarating view from the top becomes obscured by a cloud of self-doubt, exhaustion, a nagging sense that something is missing. Are you an Ashley? Do you wear your achievements like badges of honor, yet battle persistent feelings of inadequacy? Do you find yourself constantly "on," neglecting your personal life to pursue professional success? Deep down, do you crave a purpose that transcends your daily grind? If you answered yes to any of these questions, take a deep breath. You're not alone. The relentless pursuit of achievement can be a double-edged sword for high-achieving professionals. While it fuels success, it can also lead to a state of perpetual stress, burnout, and a disconnect from areas of our lives that truly matter. The good news is, there's a path towards a more fulfilling life. It's a path built on embracing a holistic approach to success, one that prioritizes not just accomplishments, but also well-being, self-compassion, and a sense of purpose extending beyond the next sprint cycle. Here's where ancient wisdom meets modern ambition: Brahmacharya principles can be powerful tools for high-achieving leaders like Ashley. Brahmacharya: Beyond Celibacy Brahmacharya is an ancient Indian philosophy that goes well beyond concepts of physical celibacy. It's a holistic life approach underscoring moderation, discipline, and mindful living. Here's how it translates into practical tools and practices for leaders like Ashley:
Remember, Brahmacharya is an ongoing process, a continuous cultivation of practices that promote moderation, discipline, and mindful living. By embracing these principles, Ashley can become a more focused, effective, and well-rounded leader, all while cultivating a sense of inner peace and fulfillment. Building a Fulfilling Life Beyond the Professional Environment: A truly fulfilling life involves nurturing all facets of yourself, not just your professional identity. Here are some ways to create a well-rounded life while maintaining leadership effectiveness:
Investing in Yourself is the Ultimate Growth Opportunity: Let's be honest, in our ever-evolving fast-paced world, "self-care" can sound like an indulgence, an extravagance. But here's the secret: investing in your personal growth isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. A well-rested, clearheaded, and purpose-driven leader is a more productive, creative, and ultimately, a more successful leader who facilitates opportunities for teams to thrive. So, is life coaching right for you? If you're ready to break free from the cycle of burnout, silence the inner critic, and discover a fulfilling life that fuels your leadership potential, then the answer is a resounding yes. A life coach can be your partner in this ongoing evolution. They can provide the tools, guidance, and support you need to redefine success on your own terms, achieve true balance, and conquer the climb towards a life that feels meaningful and whole.
🚀 Ready to Dive Deeper into Your Leadership Development? Join the Journey! If you're as fascinated by personal and professional growth as I am, let's take this adventure together. Fill out the contact info below for a free 15-min consult and determine how we can collaborate to deliver your best life. We all crave success, but often feel lost and unsure of the path forward. What if the key lies not in external validation, but in harnessing the potent wisdom within our own bodies and minds? This blog series delves beyond the physical aspects of yoga. For this entry, we’re considering the ethical disciplines, moral obligations, otherwise known as Yama, which are outlined in depth in the great text, The Yoga Sutra of Patañjāli. Particularly, we are transitioning into one of the eight limbs of yoga (Yama) by exploring the powerful philosophy of Asteya (literally translates into A = not, Steya = stealing) or non-stealing, taking responsibility for providing for oneself). Other aspects of Asteya include using something for a different purpose to that intended, or beyond the time permitted by its owner. The essential facet of Asteya is minimalism, taking only what is necessary to complete a particular endeavor. In this post, we’re going to visit Asteya and how it intersects with transformative Somatic Coaching practices. Somatic Coaching: Unmasking Limiting Beliefs Somatic Coaching, echoing the ancient wisdom of Asteya, emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind and body. Similar to Asteya's principle of living truthfully and ethically, Somatic Coaching encourages us to stop "stealing" our potential through limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors. Practices like body scans and felt sense meditation guide us to explore the physical manifestations of these beliefs, fostering self-awareness and compassion. Imagine someone struggling with chronic fatigue and procrastination. Through Somatic Coaching, they discover a link between their exhaustion and a subconscious fear of failure. Guided by Asteya's call for honesty and self-exploration, this realization empowers them to confront their limiting belief and reclaim their energy for pursuits aligned with their values. Asteya: Your Guiding Light Asteya invites us to live with integrity and honesty, both towards ourselves and others. This resonates with Somatic Coaching's emphasis on self-awareness and ethical conduct. Consider exploring your values through somatic practices and reflecting on how your actions align with them. This journey isn't about perfection, but about cultivating a mindful presence and ethical intentions in everyday life. This holistic approach goes beyond just mastering physical postures. It's about aligning our inner world with our outer actions, building fulfilling relationships, and making a positive impact on the world. It's about embracing Asteya's wisdom and unlocking our true potential, step by mindful step. And, with each step, with each act of giving, we are achieving societal balance (sattva). Let’s explore some tangible and actionable steps and resources to help you integrate Asteya into your daily life and create your own personalized journey towards holistic success. Remember, this journey isn't limited to specific physical postures, but rather it’s a powerful exploration of self-awareness and ethical living. 1. Start with Self-Inquiry: • Listen to your body: Instead of rushing into action, pause for a moment and observe your physical sensations. Are you feeling tense or relaxed? Are there any areas of discomfort? This mindfulness practice helps you connect with your inner wisdom and identify potential roadblocks aligned with Asteya's principle of non-stealing, not just from others, but also from yourself through ignoring your needs. • Explore your emotions: Reflect on your thoughts and feelings throughout the day. Are you being honest with yourself and others about your emotions? Asteya encourages authenticity and transparency. Journaling or talking to a trusted friend can help you process emotions and identify areas where you might be "stealing" or “sabotaging” your emotional truth. • Examine your values: What matters most to you in life? Aligning your vows and or intentions (sankalpa) and actions with your core values (your satya [truth]) is key to inner harmony and success. Spend time reflecting on your truth and values and how they might be guiding or hindering your choices. This aligns with Asteya's call for ethical conduct and living with integrity. 2. Cultivate Self-Compassion: • Challenge limiting beliefs: Self-doubt, self-sabotage, and negative thought patterns often act as barriers to success. Asteya encourages us to confront these limitations honestly. Practice affirmations and visualizations to challenge limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering thoughts aligned with your values. • Practice self-forgiveness: We all make mistakes. Instead of dwelling on self-criticism, practice self-compassion and forgiveness. Acknowledge your shortcomings, learn from them, and move forward with kindness towards yourself. This aligns with Asteya's principle of non-harming, the principle of ahimsa (more here) which extends to yourself. • Celebrate small wins: Recognizing and celebrating your progress, no matter how small, keeps you motivated and reinforces positive behaviors. Asteya encourages us to appreciate our efforts and acknowledge our journey 3. Building Meaningful Connections: Embodying Asteya in Relationships: Asteya's principle of non-stealing extends beyond our internal world to our interactions with others. Let's explore how to cultivate meaningful connections: • Practice active listening: Pay genuine attention to others with empathy. Asteya emphasizes respecting perspectives and avoiding "stealing" someone's voice through interrupting or dismissive behavior. Ask clarifying questions and truly hear their thoughts and feelings. • Communicate honestly and openly: Express your needs and desires clearly and respectfully. Asteya advocates for transparent communication and avoiding deception. Be mindful of your words and actions, ensuring they align with your values and don't "steal" from others through dishonesty. • Offer help and support: Share your resources, knowledge, and time when possible. Asteya promotes generosity and contributing to the well-being of the community. Look for opportunities to help others and build genuine connections based on mutual respect and ethical conduct. Remember: The pursuit of meaningful connections and strong relationships is akin to weaving a delicate tapestry of mutual understanding and enriching ever-evolving interconnectedness. Be patient, forgive yourself and others for imperfections, and celebrate the small wins along the way. By integrating Asteya's wisdom into your relationships, you contribute to a more harmonious and ethical world, one interaction at a time. 🚀 Ready to Dive Deeper into Your Leadership Development? Join the Journey! If you're as fascinated by personal and professional growth as I am, let's take this adventure together. Fill out the contact info below for a free 15-min consult and determine how we can collaborate to deliver your best life. Feeling lost in the professional maze? People, reclaim your path! Discover how "Satya" (truth) – an ancient wisdom reborn – can unlock your inner leader and guide you towards a fulfilling career aligned with your true self. Ditch the confusion, find your voice, and chart a path that resonates with your soul. From Ancient Wisdom to Your Modern Journey: The word "Satya" may have originated in Sanskrit millennia ago, but its message is eternally relevant, especially for professionals, particularly Gen Z, navigating the complexities of modern life. It translates to "truth," but not just as facts and figures. Satya speaks to living authentically, aligning your actions with your core values, and discovering your unique purpose. Satya also speaks to the concepts of unchanging and clarity, disregarding malleable fads of society to deliver one’s reality. As a coach, I collaborated and partnered with hundreds of professionals feeling lost, trapped in careers that don't resonate, encumbered by the variability of social and professional networks. The pressure to conform and excel is immense, leaving them wondering: “Is this it? Where and what is my purpose?” Your Inner Leader Awaits: The answer isn't in external validation or the next promotion. True leadership, the kind that empowers both you and others, begins within. Satya is your compass, guiding you to connect with your authentic self and unleash your potential. How Satya Can Transform Your Career: 1. Uncover Your Guiding Star: Stop running on autopilot. Embrace introspection. Ask yourself:
2. Embrace the Imperfections of Your Journey: The Satya path isn't always linear or perfect. Challenges happen, doubts arise, and self-judgment and self-sabotage creep in. But remember, imperfections are stepping stones, not roadblocks. They are the experiences that success is built upon.
3. Lead with Compassion, Not Just Influence: Leaders, your social consciousness is your superpower. Use your platform for good.
Remember, true leadership isn't just about achieving your goals; it's about inspiring and empowering others along the way. Your Satya, Your Success Story. Would You Have It Any Other Way? Satya isn't a one-time fix; it's a lifelong journey of self-discovery and evolution. It necessitates constant monitoring and accountability to ensure your path is solely yours. As your coach, I'm here to support and partner with you every step of the way. Together, we’ll co-create a personalized roadmap to unleash your unique potential and build a career that resonates with your soul. Remember, the leader you seek isn't someone else; it's you, empowered by your own Satya. So, are you ready to embark on this transformative journey? Let's build a community of leaders, guiding each other towards purposeful and fulfilling careers. Feeling burned out? Have your new year resolutions stalled in neutral? Juggling deadlines, chasing side hustles, and mastering adulting can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. But what if there was a way to de-stress, find inner peace, and cultivate self-love – all while connecting with your body and mind? Enter yoga, an ancient practice extending beyond popular poses offering a powerful tool for self-discovery and inner harmony. This post looks at Ahimsa, the core principle of yoga that emphasizes non-violence and kindness – not just towards others, but also towards yourself. We'll explore how Ahimsa intertwines with self-compassion and self-forgiveness, offering practical tools to cultivate these qualities on and off the yoga mat. Understanding Ahimsa: The Yoga Sutras, attributed to the sage Patanjali, lay the foundation for yoga practice, with Ahimsa serving as its cornerstone. But what does Ahimsa truly mean? It's not just about avoiding physical harm; it's about cultivating a gentle and compassionate approach to life, starting with yourself. Put aside the concept of "no pain, no gain." Ahimsa, as outlined in the Yoga Sutras, is about cultivating a gentle and compassionate approach to life – starting with you. Imagine treating your inner voice with the same kindness and understanding you extend to others. This is the essence, the shift in perspective of Ahimsa, the key to unlock inner peace and well-being. Actionable Steps: As you embark toward reinvigorating aspects of your life, it's important to foster self-compassion and recognize that setbacks are an inherent part of progress. Reflecting on the root causes of any detours and adjusting your expectations accordingly is key to setting a realistic trajectory for success. Break down your resolutions into actionable steps, strategically prioritizing them based on impact and feasibility. By establishing a consistent routine and leveraging support networks, such as friends, family, or colleagues, you can enhance accountability and drive sustained progress. 1. Self-Care Sunday (Every Day!): Treat yourself like your BFF! Listen to your body, honor your limits, and celebrate small victories, both on and off the mat. Remember, self-care isn't selfish; it's essential for nurturing your well-being and practicing Ahimsa towards yourself. 2. Mind Your Mind: Catch yourself spiraling into negativity? What’s the tone of your internal dialogue? Consider how redirecting self-critical thoughts with self-compassion aligns with the core essence of Ahimsa and the teachings of self-study. Hit the pause button! Gently redirect those harsh thoughts of the self-sabotaging inner critic with self-compassion. Take deep breaths, acknowledge your feelings, and practice self-acceptance. You deserve kindness, even from yourself. Remember, your inner voice matters! 3. Contentment is the New Hustle: Ditch the constant strive and chase for more. Instead, find joy in everyday experiences. Appreciate the little things, like a delicious meal or a good laugh with friends. Reflect on what lessons you've learned from past mistakes, and how you can apply them to future situations with compassion and understanding. Remember, you are enough exactly as you are. This shift in perspective is key to unlocking Ahimsa and inner peace. 4. Mistakes Happen, Forgive Yourself: We all make mistakes, but dwelling on them won't do any good. Embrace self-forgiveness as a learning opportunity. Reflect on what you can take away from the experience and move forward with kindness and understanding. Remember, you're human, and that's okay! 5. Zen Zone Meditation: Go to your safe spot, the safest place you carved out for yourself. Close your eyes and imagine yourself bathed in self-forgiveness and acceptance. Explore this inner space, noticing any emotions or insights that arise. Let go of the past, embrace the present, and discover the profound peace that awaits within your future. Ahimsa in Action: 1. Flow with Kindness on the Mat: See each posture as an expression of self-love and forgiveness. The longer you remain in each asana, the greater the depth of self-compassion you express. Appreciate your body for all it allows you to do, and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Notice the space created for self-love and forgiveness in the flow of movement. Express gratitude in motion for the opportunity to practice yoga and cultivate compassion towards yourself. Remember, the journey is more important than the destination. 2. Ahimsa IRL: Kindness doesn't stop at the yoga studio or your home fitness room. Be mindful of your words and actions online and offline. Offer a helping hand, extend understanding, and remember, your compassion has the power to create a ripple effect of positivity in the world around you deepening your connection with those around you. Conclusion: Exploring Ahimsa, self-compassion, and self-forgiveness is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, embrace self-love, and let go of the need for perfection. As you integrate these principles into your life, you'll cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace, reduce stress, and unlock a life filled with positive vibes and self-acceptance. ✨Namaste! Wish you had someone to help you crush your goals and unlock your true potential? Hit me up for a FREE discovery call! Let's chat about what's holding you back and how I can help you:
This is a follow-on to the previous week's post (available below) in which we explored Sankalpa as sacred commitment aligning actions with a profound sense of purpose to positively impact one’s leadership skills. 1. Personalized Learning for Leadership Development. In a post-Covid era when the dinner table became the conference room, leadership from home transformed to propel individuals, teams, and organizations toward excellence. At the forefront of this view, we turn to the concept that ‘Leadership is a personal journey, and Sankalpa offers a tailored approach to growth’ that can occur in any given context. By crafting intentions that align with individual strengths and aspirations, leaders tailor their vision focusing on specific areas of improvement. This personalized approach nurtures an ethos of continuous learning and self-discovery within leadership to enable development within the culture of an organization. 2. Intentionality as a Continuous Journey. A Sankalpa-driven leader, by embodying their commitment, becomes an inspiration for a culture of intentionality within the organization. This cultural pivot creates a collaborative environment where teams are aligned with a shared purpose, driving collective and individual success. Encouraging teams to embrace the organizational higher truth creates a shared sense of purpose and commitment. This collective intention-setting aligns the entire organization toward common goals, cultivating a collaborative work environment. I’m not suggesting that once vows are embraced conditions immediately shift toward the better. Rather, I am offering that Sankalpa balances and facilitates effective leadership by anchoring aspirations in a commitment to the highest truth. Leaders who integrate vows into their leadership style pursue ambitious goals with a sense of purpose and ethical responsibility understanding that leadership is a continuous journey. But, how does a leader incorporate such a concept into their approach? To fully grasp the transformative power of Sankalpa, leaders can embark on a guided journey through use of the below prompts. While they are not all necessary to approach as a step-by-step process (context is key), the intentional implementation of one creates the space and flex to incorporate added phases. And, when doing so, give yourself sufficient time to discern the depth of the level necessary to achieve desired results. This may necessitate self-compassion to transcend current controls, or it may suggest that a particular step involves additional resources, such as time. 3. The Gameplan.
As the corporate landscape continues to evolve, where adaptability and resilience are paramount, Sankalpa emerges as a thread that transcends cultural and organizational frontiers. By integrating the essence of Sankalpa into one’s leadership style, leaders can navigate complexities of authenticity with purpose, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth. The significance of Sankalpa becomes increasingly apparent—not just as a tactical or a strategic tool but as a profound commitment to leadership excellence. By setting Sankalpa as the north star, leaders unlock a path to sustained success, fulfillment, and a legacy of authentic and impactful leadership. 🚀 Ready to Dive Deeper into Your Leadership Development? Join the Journey! If you're as fascinated by personal and professional growth as I am, let's take this adventure together. Hit that contact button below for a free 15-min consult and determine how we can collaborate to deliver your best life. In the dynamic landscape of leadership, where challenges abound and the need for authenticity is paramount, the ancient Sanskrit word "Sankalpa" emerges as a beacon informing leaders toward a transformative journey of self-discovery, intentionality, and purpose. Rooted in the union of 'san,' meaning 'connection with the highest truth,' and 'kalpa,' signifying 'commitment' or 'vow,' Sankalpa is more than a resolution—it's a sacred commitment to align one's actions with a profound sense of purpose. This post aims to consider the impact of Sankalpa on one’s leadership skills, providing insights into its meaning, and its significance for leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of their lives. Sankalpa, at its core, transcends the commonplace. It's not merely about setting goals but about forging a deep connection with one's authentic self. In the words of Swami Satyananda, author of "Four Chapters on Freedom: Commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali," Sankalpa is a sacred vow that connects us with the highest truth, paving the way for a purposeful and intentional life. Thus, as the authors of “Discovering Your Authentic Leadership” suggested in HBR in 2007, ‘authentic leadership is not a role; it's a way of being.’ Sankalpa offers a structured approach to authenticity by encouraging leaders to set intentions that align with their values, strengths, and long-term goals. By formulating a Sankalpa, leaders articulate a clear sense of purpose that becomes the compass guiding them toward genuine and impactful leadership. ‘Leadership often involves navigating intricate decision-making processes,’ as suggested by Bazerman and Moore. Sankalpa provides a mindful approach, ensuring choices are grounded in a commitment to the highest truth and core values. This intentional decision-making not only enhances the quality of choices but also fosters a sense of integrity and purpose in leadership. And while these two qualities are paramount in the leadership landscape, ‘resilience is a hallmark of effective leadership,’ as advocated by Tugade and Fredrickson (2004). Sankalpa serves as a source of resilience, providing a solid foundation during challenging times. By reaffirming their commitment to overarching goals, leaders can navigate setbacks with grace, emerging stronger and more determined to fulfill their mission. Tune in for my next blog post when we’ll take a deeper-dive into some practical methods to apply Sankalpa through personal leadership style and team collaboration. It doesn’t take a whole new routine to instill a dose of happiness into your day—but it does take a little self awareness. 1. Be grateful for the good & the bad. Research shows, grateful people are happy people. It’s also important to understand that happiness is not the absence of negative feelings. Gratitude is a focus on the present and appreciation for what we have now, rather than wanting more. Embracing gratitude, as a state of mind, can have a positive affect on all aspects of life including our happiness and overall satisfaction. Up your mood by taking a moment daily to think of your world with gratitude. Start a gratitude journal or take a walk in nature paying attention to all the gifts around us. Think of a person that helps you on a daily or weekly basis – a spouse, parent, friend, pet, teacher, cleaner, or babysitter.
2. Flex your creativity muscles. Do you have a passion or hobby? It doesn’t have to be a formal activity, simply engaging in creative thinking can enhance well-being by enhancing cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities. A recent study out of New Zealand, published in The Journal of Positive Psychology explains that creative activities can trigger an “upward spiral” of well-being.
Make some space in your day to create, even if it’s just for the sake of it. Try exploring unique textures or even natural and recycled materials to make something for your home or a friend. Looking for some tips on how to add more creativity into your daily life? Read this list of 101 creative habits to explore.
3. Get connected, Stay connected. Being a part of something larger than yourself can help bring perspective as well as a sense of belonging. Scientific evidence strongly suggests that feeling like you belong and generally feel close to other people is a core psychological need; essential to feeling satisfied with your life. The pleasures of social life register in our brains much the same way physical pleasure does. So take the time to nurture a friendship that is important to you. Make an extra effort to show you care, send a card, make a plan to have lunch, or give them a call and really listen to what they say. Smile and say hello to a stranger. Tell a story when someone asks how your day is going. Notice how you feel when you share something with someone new. |
About VincentI'm an RYT200 applying somatic & existential approaches in personal, professional, and organizational excellence. I'm currently completing my RYT500, and from time-to-time, share ideas toward achieving the best of life. Archives
March 2024
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