Brave

Today, I was working with a client who I've seen struggle for a while. An exceptionally successful leader, she has been struggling to get out of a rut. Holding onto anger about past wrongs and questionable decisions at her organization has held her back, and for about 5 months, we’ve slowly uncovered that the anger was the crux of her block. 

Our coaching session today was different from any other we had ever had. 

She started turning a corner last month when she began to come to terms with acknowledging and letting go of resentment. Her life has changed. She has a completely different view of what the opportunities are. She sees the progress, not the blocks. She sees potential and options, rather than dead ends and switching to blame.

Someone who I would have considered a no-nonsense all business leader now sits outside with her morning coffee to mentally prepare for her day. She takes the time she needs to walk away from her computer to live her life (even if that is in 15-minute increments!), after being a slave to it for the past few years. Instead of leading with fear and resentment, she chooses her approach each day. The day no longer owns her. 

I write about this because it is such a common issue.  Leaders with genuine passion, skill, and drive can invariably feel stuck and see nothing but problems. Overwhelm. Lose their zest. They get stuck in their disappointment, their failed expectations of others, and even at times, their belief in themselves.

Putting in the hard work is brave. The person I write about deserves a shout-out: she has leveled up to a whole new horizon and will no doubt continue to thrive and lead others to greatness as she has in the past. 

Bravery is looking at ourselves and owning part of the problem. Only then can we really move beyond the ruts we all find ourselves in.