You know it, I know it - it's the challeges in one's life and leadership that make us strong, wise and mature. It's the hard things that help us grow, learn and devlop. How often can you look back on your life and see that the challenge of a first tough job, a first child, a first big fight with a new spouse brought you from a place of immaturity to a greater sense of wisdom?
For myself. . .
I know this. But I'm regularly fooled and fooled again by the misconception - okay, wish? - that I'll grow and learn in peace with no hardship no pain no challenge! I know for myself it's in these times of stress that I need the most support. When doubt creeps in and chews on my gut in the middle of the night, I need to reclaim my values and grip my personal declarations more tightly, I need to brace my footing for a longer view to what I'm working toward, that place well beyond my temporary discomfort.
With my clients. . .
I can tell when I'm working with a leadership development client -- there's a visceral, kinesthetic palpable sensation -- when he or she is struggling and being challenged by working on the right issue at the right time. If you're comfortable and at peace and just okay, you're probably not focusing on what you really need to be working on for leadership development. Right?
Ask yourself. . .
Can I find the challenge today that presents discomfort for me to face, but in my heart I know it is the mountain that needs to be climbed? Can I seek support from colleagues, mentors, friends to build a strategy to take it on?
It's one of those days for me today. Not comfortable, not at peace, but growing like crazy.
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