When Is the Last Time You Took Time Out for You?
Nancy Parsons
CEO/Founder CDR Companies, Creator of CDR-U Coach, Best Selling Author, MEECO International Thought Leader of Distinction in Executive Coaching, Co-Developer CDR 3-D Suite Assessments
Most jobs, whether in leadership or professional roles, have a mix of demanding, fascinating, complex, challenging
This may sound a bit odd, but frequently when I work on action planning steps with female executives, the most pressing matter is more about pushing her them to begin having some fun again or on getting balance back in their lives. Much of the time, this discussion centers around self-care and getting out of the rat race
Last week, I was inspired by another such coaching experience. The leader was excited to start the New Year with our deep dive coaching debrief and discussion. This reminded me that what we do during the assessment coaching debrief is like a “spa treatment” for the leader’s wellbeing.
Most often, leaders don’t step away from their demanding jobs long enough to take a good walk, let alone have such an in-depth and inspiring personal growth experience. Furthermore, most leaders never take the time to understand themselves and the innate characteristics that set them apart
You’d be surprised how many leaders are somewhat lost on understanding their own inherent capabilities, risks and needs. They are working so hard and are pulled in so many directions, they lose the true essence of themselves. Most never take the time to become fully self-aware. In fact, a study of 5,000 participants reported in HBR by Tasha Eurich that “Only 10 to 15% of people actually are self-aware.”[i]
Our type of coaching debrief, with the in-depth CDR 3-D Suite of Assessments takes 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. Naturally, executives typically balk at scheduling this block of time – it is an immense imposition to them. Yet, once we are in the debrief discussion, they lose sense of time, the dread disappears. They immerse in the moment – and a past due needed moment indeed! That is how powerful and enriching the process is when gaining a clear understanding of your unique blueprint of inherent capabilities, needs, and ineffective coping strategies
It is so easy to get stuck running through the motions when we lose touch with or do not recognize what is best about ourselves. We may not be leveraging our special gifts and talents and instead we might be grinding through by working mostly in a gap area. That is a rough way to go and is counterproductive. Additionally, leaders lose sight of what they love and enjoy. They are so busy and determined to perform that they have lost much of the joy in what they do. They become stressed, tired, and often feel boxed in. Interestingly, one of the best stress relievers is to work in ways that tap into your own intrinsic motivators
So, back to my original question – when is the last time you took time out for you? Maybe it is about time you did. You will thank me for this essential “spa experience” for your leadership wellbeing.
?
P.S. We have a large cadre of coaches who can provide this type of deep-dive debrief!
?
?
?
?
?
?
Trusted Partner in Civil Engineering Design and CAD Outsourcing Services
1 年Taking care of yourself should always be a priority. Remember to find time for self-care and relaxation. ??♀?