The branches of the mighty tree outside the window look as if they’re about to snap at any moment. As I type this, Metro Detroit is experiencing winds worthy of warning (again).
How is that tree still standing after the winter we’ve had? That prompts a bigger question.
How are we still standing?
The hits keep coming two years after the pandemic entered our world – the Great Resignation, record inflation, unrelenting global and social unrest. Make. It. Stop!
A leadership coaching client wearily remarked recently, “I’m not sure how to get through this; how much more I can take.” Even the strongest of leaders get battered by the unceasing winds of change.
My words to her hold true for any of you reading this: What got you to where you are as a high-aspiring leader is what will get you through. You have survived 100% of what life has thrown at you so far.
In case you’ve forgotten, here are three truths that remain in even the toughest of times:
You are Resourceful
Despite what sitcoms like The Office may portray, you didn’t get into leadership without having your act together. It wasn’t a fluke. You figured things out on the way to achieving goals. Even if you didn’t know all the answers at first, you found them.
Questions: What is your proudest accomplishment? What did it take for you to achieve it? How do those skills apply now?
You are Resilient
Chances are life has knocked you down a few times or more. Yet, somehow you are still here, showing up and tackling problems head-on again.
Questions: What is the greatest challenge you’ve faced – one that you were sure would derail you forever? What caused you to keep going? What can you use from that experience today?
You Know How to Build Relationships
You didn’t get to where you are on your own, no matter how driven and proactive you’ve been. Somewhere along the way, you asked for help or someone reached down to lend a hand. Now, more than ever, people are seeking a sense of community – a feeling that they are not alone in this.
Questions: Who can you reach out to for support – a peer, friend, coach, professional group, the person who wrote this blog? 😊
The winds are subsiding enough to see the buds on the tree branches. What seemed like certain destruction is making way for new growth. And seemingly overnight, the tree will be in full bloom.
Take a deep breath from the winds of change. Spring is coming.