You are Enough.

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Towards the finish line

When it comes to year-end goals, December is one of the most challenging months, and it is not surprising if you feel spent and sluggish already.

Here are a few things I have discovered that have enabled me to finish the year strong, and December is critical.

1. Be intentional! Finishing the year strong invites intentionality. You don't have to complete everything on your schedule; focus on the majors and delegate the minors. Additionally, you can delegate some significant tasks and activities to the new year as a follow-up. This singular act has allowed me to be present mentally during the break.
2. Spread joy! For most, this is the last week when most members of your teams and organizations will be at work before scheduled vacations and breaks. So, could you make time to wish people well? Could you let the 'unicorns' know how much you value them in general and specifically mention how important they were to you and your goals?
3. Celebrate the wins! I was the guy who refused to enjoy moments and won't stay to smell the roses because they had thorns. Instead, that 'guy' would focus solely on uncompleted goals rather than celebrate the wins. And in retrospect, I was the loser who robbed himself of the beauty of life's distinct pleasures. Please don't be that older version of me. Life is naturally cyclical, so embrace the seasons and celebrate the journey.

I love to share this story every year-end because of its emphasis on the brevity of life and relationships. I hope it resonates with you. Could you read on below?

You are enough!

"Recently, I overheard a mother and daughter in their last moments together at the airport as the daughter's departure had been announced. Standing near the security gate, they hugged, and the mother said: "I love you, and I wish you enough." The daughter replied, "Mom, our life together has been enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Mom."

They kissed, and the daughter left.

The mother walked over to the window where I sat. Standing there, I could see she wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on her privacy, but she welcomed me by asking, "Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?"

"Yes, I have," I replied. "Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever goodbye?"

"I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead, and the reality is the next trip back will be for my funeral," she said. When you said goodbye, I heard you say, "I wish you enough." What does that mean? She began to smile. "That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone." She paused, looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and smiled even more. "When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we wanted the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them."

Then turning toward me, she shared the following, reciting it from memory.

• I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
• I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
• I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
• I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much more significant.
• I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wants.
• I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
• I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye.

She then began to sob and walked away.

<The End>

Friends, what a reminder; that as leaders in our diverse spheres of influence, we can make a difference. I am grateful for our connection and highly appreciative of this community. You know this already, but I do not take you or this for granted.

This week, I want you to know that you are enough!

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Dr. Flo is a #Hybrid Leader - American-born, British Trained, and Nigerian Raised. A Leadership Psychologist, Inclusion Strategist, and Executive Coach @Korn Ferry. Host, The Leadership Coach Podcast.

Additional reading for the week -

https://www.kornferry.com/insights/this-week-in-leadership/the-year-ends-in-12-days