Going Through the Fire
Leadership is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage to lead. The challenges are real and during them we may falter in our ability to stay calm and carry on. When the heat is on where do you turn to be restored?
As a leader, when we are misunderstood, questioned or just running full speed it can leave us wounded and burned out. We feel the fire burning hot, especially when those around us may be questioning our ability to meet the heavy demands of the customers’ expectations. The doubts may be unfounded, but the toll on our mind and body is real.
For those times when you are getting pulled in many directions all at once, here are a few ways eight organizational leaders settled their heart to bring peace in the midst of the fire.
- Dan Cathy: As the CEO of Chick-fil-A, Dan Cathy rejuvenated and maintained his effectiveness through a strong focus on faith, growth and exercise. Dan is also a very accomplish trumpet player, he plays almost daily for relaxation and to stay in musical playing shape.
- Ronald Reagan: As the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan rejuvenated and maintained his effectiveness through a combination of work and relaxation in nature. He spent time at his ranch in California doing manual labor which provided him with a sense of peace and clarity amidst the demands of his presidency.
- Condoleezza Rice: As the former United States Secretary of State, Rice according to one report, regularly practiced yoga and meditation, which helped her stay centered and focused in high-pressure situations, enabling her to navigate complex diplomatic challenges with grace and poise.
- Winston Churchill: The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom rejuvenated and maintained his effectiveness by taking breaks to paint, which served as a creative outlet and allowed him to recharge his mind and spirit during times of adversity.
- Ben Carson: Ben Carson a retired neurosurgeon, author, and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development finds relaxation in reading books on various topics, including history, medicine, and spirituality.
- General George Patton: As a renowned military leader, General Patton rejuvenated and maintained his effectiveness through a strict exercise regimen, often starting his day with a vigorous workout, which helped him stay physically and mentally sharp on the battlefield.
- Walt Disney: The visionary founder of The Walt Disney Company often rejuvenated his body and mind by taking breaks to spend time with his family and explore new hobbies, such as model railroading, which sparked his creativity and inspired some of his most iconic creations.
- Michael Jordan: The renowned NBA legend often rejuvenated and maintained his effectiveness by taking breaks to play golf, which served as a release from the pressures of basketball and allowed him to recharge his competitive spirit.
The fire is real. It can be personal or professional. I find great peace in the spiritual part of my life. I listen to inspiring music, read spiritual texts, or listen to good comedy. I have found laughter to be a great source of relaxation for me.
Be the leader you know you are called to be, rejuvenate yourself daily.
Jeff
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…” The Apostle Paul
