Three Things to Consider Doing Daily

As a kid I hated being told what to do - I absolutely hated it. I usually did the opposite just to see what would happen. Ironically, those same lessons that were taught to me as a kid and then ignored are now an important part of my everyday routine.

1.    Center Yourself. Sitting still, reading, prayer, yoga, meditation, or going for a walk. Connecting with something greater than me and paying close attention to my place in our big universe helps me stay grounded. What gets you to that place where the cacophony and busyness of life are drowned out and replaced by gratitude and peace? Let’s face it – life throws all sorts of opportunities at us – being grounded (centered) puts us in the best position to respond to those opportunities.

2.    Connect with other people. Friends, co-workers, neighbors, coaches, family, spouse*.  I have a diverse set of friends and neighbors who make me a better person. Many of them do not share my same life experiences, but this diversity of thought brings a ton of richness to my life. They challenge my thinking. *My wife of 31 years is an amazing career coach and she is also my business partner. She really challenges my thinking! ?? 

3.    Respond and do not react. Being in control of how I show up every day is one of the few things in life that I can control. When I react to what someone else does or does not do or when I react to what someone says or does not say, I am giving up control of me to someone else. When I choose how I am going to respond, then I am at choice and that is a powerful place to reside.

Life comes at us fast at times and went into hyperdrive starting in March 2020 - civil unrest, election and post-election fatigue, a global pandemic and related health challenges, financial insecurity, food insecurity, "Hunger Games" like chaos surrounding vaccinations, and yet life still goes on. Any one of these singular events (and probably others) could adversely impact us and have a compounding effect on how we show up on any given day. Doing these three things consistently gives me the best possible opportunity to show up as the best version of myself. What do you do daily to show up as the best possible version of yourself?

Wes Becton is the Co-founder and CEO of George Washington Street Partners which is an executive leadership, career, and performance coaching and consulting company. Wes Becton provides leadership and diversity coaching to C-level executives and boards. Wes has extensive executive leadership and governance experience in a wide range of industries including banking, education, and healthcare. Wes is the former Board Chair of Northeastern Illinois University and currently serves on the Boards of Elmhurst University and Pan American Bank. Wes is a former Infantry Officer and graduate of the Army’s Ranger School. Wes earned degrees from George Washington University (BA International Affairs) and Lewis University (MBA Health Care Administration). Wes is a certified professional coach (CPC) and also a member of the International Coach Federation and he is a frequent speaker and lecturer on innovation, diversity, and leadership topics.