As leaders, we know all too well that life away from work can often unexpectedly add to our load. Often, that load is not visible to others, but it contributes to our feeling that we are caught in a perfect storm.
2024 was a year of significant transitions, challenges and in the last six months, my own perfect storm.
Apart from another year of gratitude because I get to consult, facilitate, coach and train with a wonderful and varied clientele, the year was marked by the passing of two beloved dogs and finding ourselves dog-free for the first time in twenty years. In two separate raids, a cunning fox took all our chickens. On a brighter note, I was incredibly proud when my son left home to enlist in the Navy. However, as our last child who still lived at home, the feelings of grief and loss were growing.
Then, my elderly parents sold and downsized their home of 48 years to move into a retirement village. It was time to part with much paraphernalia associated with happy memories and experience the load of helping them do the same. There were other personal challenges, which I won’t go into here, all happening alongside finishing writing, editing and publishing a book that demanded immense focus and discipline.
To put the cherry on the year, finalising a lengthy consulting report didn’t go according to plan, so the small celebration of the book’s launch was bookended by nights with barely any sleep.
The upside is that if asked whether the Centring Star Framework I shared in my book Centred: How to Lead with Confidence in Times of Complex Change works, I can say “yes” with complete conviction.
Instead of succumbing to the perfect storm of these emergent changes, I kept my eye open for ‘glimpses’ of peace and joy. Most importantly, I often took refuge in the storm’s calm eye to notice what was happening for me and the surrounding context and then decide on my next right action before stepping out again. I used the Centring Star to navigate from one calm eye to another, and although it was incredibly challenging at times, I navigated through it all.
As the Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca said, “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.”
Endings that create the space for new beginnings and possibilities.
As 2025 dawns, I’ve grasped the opportunity to create space for rejuvenation, creativity, and behind-the-scenes actions to make the most of those possibilities.
The start of a new year is like the excitement of a blank canvas. But the real masterpiece emerges through the layers of paint, corrections, and perseverance as the picture takes shape over time.
So, what should we do when our initial burst of energy and enthusiasm that 2025 will be different starts to wane?
1. Regularly Revisit and Revise Your Goals
Set aside time each month to review your goals and assess your progress. Celebrate your achievements and identify areas where you may need to adjust your plans and build in additional accountability.
2. Cultivate Mindfulness and Self-Care
Incorporate mindfulness practices such as breathwork, meditation, journaling, or yoga into your daily routine. If that seems too hard, go for regular mindful walks, preferably in a natural environment. Prioritise self-care by taking breaks, engaging in hobbies, and ensuring adequate rest.
3. Embrace your Curious and the Opportunity to Learn
Commit to exploring new subjects, skills, or hobbies to keep your mind sharp and flexible, foster creativity and open new possibilities.
4. Maintain Social Connections
Cultivate a supportive network of friends, family, and mentors who inspire and motivate you. Engage in meaningful conversations, share your goals, and seek feedback. Most of all, focus on the pleasure of connection for its well-being benefits over and above relationships that are mainly transactional.
5. Practice Gratitude and Positivity
Make it a habit to express gratitude, reflect on the positive aspects of your life and acknowledge your progress. Shift your focus from what is lacking or could be lost to what is possible.
6. Set Boundaries and Manage Your Time
Learn to say no to commitments that do not align with your goals or drain your energy. Set clear boundaries to protect your time and prioritise activities contributing to your growth and well-being.
7. Seek Inspiration from Diverse Sources
Expose yourself to different cultures, art forms, and ideas. Travel, visit museums, listen to diverse music, or engage in creative collaborations. Drawing inspiration from different sources can spark new ideas and ignite your creativity.
Which of these strategies must you give the most attention this February?
If you’re curious about what I’ve been creating in the space I carved out in January, keep an eye out here and on social media over the coming weeks.
