To gain the strength and energy to become a better leader in life and work, seek out solitude. Yes, that means avoiding others, if only temporarily.
One thing we can all agree on is that COVID (or everything about 2020) has forced us to be leaders in the middle of chaos. Chaos within our jobs, our households, our economy, our society. Some might say that the best of us will emerge stronger than ever, or perhaps that’s just the pep talk (I) we have to give ourselves to make it through another day?
I also think/know leadership needs solitude, too. (It's a delicacy these days, for sure.) This speech from West Point identified the reason behind why I sequester myself in my office and shut the world (house) out so I can get some silence and concentrate. I sometimes feel selfish for doing this. But it’s because "thinking means concentrating on one thing long enough to develop an idea about it," and I pride myself on not only being a great doer but also a thinker; I enjoy getting "into it" and I also like (love) to think of ideas. It’s what I believe makes me valuable. I start with a thought that turns into a web of thoughts, and I end up creating something. And hopefully, that something is new, helpful, wonderful, and all.the.things.
So, when I was told that I gather energy by being alone, I’ve tried to gain power from the concept. And being alone is what maximizes my thinking. So I have to be intentional about the time I carve out for myself to have quiet time. That means not only managing my environment but also my own workspace and schedule.
The same goes when you’re in a marketing jumble. You’ve got campaigns to ideate. You have emails to be written. You have social posts to schedule. You have a marketing plan to submit or a POV on your 5-year strategic plan. You live in the chaos, but to unlock your leadership potential and the ideas that will propel you there, you need some solitude, too.
Promise me this - you will seek out pockets of true peace and calm in the next 30 days. You will close Instagram, turn off your computer, ask your partner (barter) for some time, whatever it takes. Insulate yourself and find your thoughts - that will turn into some good #marketing #motivation.
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