Where do you go to reconnect to the authentic leader within yourself? On a beautiful evening in October, I was driving out to a meeting scheduled along the West Michigan lakeshore, and found myself getting crazy-energized – I realized I was quite early and might have an opportunity to stop at the lake and “recharge” beforehand!! The intense energetic waters of Lake Michigan are always a great respite for me, no matter what the time of year, but super special and unexpected mid-October.
On top of knowing I was heading to one of my favorite places, I was happily wearing my favorite fall poncho (I can’t help it, this poncho makes me happy, what can I say?!), an old-favorite song on XM radio (Summer Breeze anyone?), and minimal traffic. I braced myself. I was moving up the scale from good to great, and fabulous was just 20 minutes away!
I deliberately make a practice of getting out to the beach every chance I can (or need) to ground myself. I find I’m a better leader when I do. I’m calmer, more patient. I make better decisions. I’m more creative. I think more strategically. I open up. I’m happier!! If I am not mindful about recharging my batteries/checking in with myself/grounding, I start to lose my leadership mojo…wouldn’t want that!
It was a beautiful late afternoon/evening, everything was quiet – the vacationers had all left, the beach balls were put away, cottages were locked up, and all you could hear were the crashing waves (surely you’ve heard/seen the Pure Michigan commercials – it’s real!). Perfection. This is my happy-place. I had hit it…fabulous!! For the rest of the evening, I was my best self! I was excited, happy, engaged! People were wondering what was up? My mood was contagious (if we can bring a room down with bad energy, we can certainly lift a room up with fabulous energy!). I had the best conversation with a friend. A positive and productive interaction with a client. The meeting was super-charged – great ideas, great conversation, mutual respect, great energy. All good.
Do yourself, and your co-workers, a huge favor, and get super-charged! Reconnect with the authentic leader within.
p.s. I had a really tough time falling asleep afterward. I was so happy and excited and wired. The best benefit was my super-charged creativity!!! I couldn’t fall asleep because I was coming up with ideas for new projects, solutions to old problems, fine-tuning my mental to-do list, and even a limerick that made me laugh! Whew!! Where do you go to recharge, reconnect, and find the authentic leader within?
