Intentional October: strategies for self-preservation

The leaves on the horse chestnut tree on the street outside my window are looking distinctly brown and curled. Most of the conkers are in the pockets of the school kids who go up and down our road, and in a few weeks’ time I’ll be able to see the blue tits picking their way along the bare branches.

The tree is following an intentional strategy with three interlinked elements:

• Letting go: getting rid of old and damaged leaves which have served their purpose, and distributing seeds for future generations
• Conservation: drawing nutrients and water deep inside to help sustain itself through to the spring
• Protection: bare branches mean the tree will fare better in high winds, and deeply stored water helps it survive freezing conditions.

This strategy, carried out ahead of time, make it much more likely the tree will make it safely through another winter, ready for whatever the next year brings.

Without it, the tree risks being overwhelmed by winter storms or exhausting itself so much it can’t replenish in spring.

As a leader – particularly if you have an introverted preference – you are similarly at risk of overwhelm and exhaustion if you don’t act ahead of time to protect yourself. It may be too late if the storm is already upon you.

With that in mind, this October I encourage you to consider these three questions:

1. What can I let go of? Look around for what is old, damaged, and no longer useful to you. You might do a physical or digital clear-out. You might check in with your thinking too, especially if you have a niggling feeling that some of your assumptions or ways of thinking about things are getting in your way. They may have served you well in other times but, as the saying goes, what got you here won’t get you there. And don’t forget, trees drop seeds as well as leaves. What can you pass along to help other people’s work or careers and your organisation’s future?
2. What do I need to conserve? Consider what you would most like to keep. This isn’t about hoarding things that might be useful ‘one day’ but deciding what to include in a streamlined collection of cherished books and resources. You’ll find them quicker and use them more if the clutter has gone.Maybe there are relationships you’ve let slip that you would like to restore, or connections with other organisations that would merit some care and attention. As the seasons change, it’s often a good opportunity to re-set your health and wellbeing habits too, particularly to conserve your personal energy. If you’re already tired and worn-down you may need to step up your efforts to replenish yourself before things get even busier than they already are.
3. How can I protect myself? In his book, The Diary of a CEO, Steven Bartlett talks about working to fill five professional ‘buckets’, and notes

“There are only two buckets that [a] professional earthquake can never empty – it can take away your network, it can take away your resources, it can even impact your reputation, but it can never remove your knowledge and it can never unlearn your skills.”

Are you clear what you know and what you can do? Can you explain how your strengths bring value to your team and organisation? These strong foundations can help you withstand the storms of professional life and emerge again ready to take forward the work that matters.

A closing thought. I’d encourage you to do as much of this reflection as you can outside. Perhaps alone, or with a friend, a trusted colleague or a coach.

It’s a win-win-win. It’s easier to get perspective on what’s important or not when you’re away from the desk. You get the benefit of moving around in the fresh air. And you get to enjoy the daylight, which will become increasingly precious in the weeks to come.

And of course, there’s fun to be had swishing through the leaves!