Before the Year Becomes a Runaway Train

Recently, I asked a group of senior leaders to describe their year so far.

Before anyone could answer, a room shocked faces stared back at me.

“Wait… how can it only be six weeks!?”

“It feels like months!”

Sound familiar?

Many leaders have hit the ground running, straight back into things at full throttle. For some, without a proper pause. And despite enormous change, complexity and demand, they’re making incredible progress.

But here’s what I've noticed in myself and others over many years...When we set off at break-neck speed, we’re fuelled by adrenaline and achievement. It feels productive, exciting, energising and impactful.

It feels like the new normal. Yet disappointingly, what feels doable in February can become depletion by May.

If this feels like you - this is a gentle nudge to take a moment to regroup and re-set your intensions and priorities before the year feels like a runaway train.

Ask yourself:

• Given the curveballs already thrown, what matters most for the end of this quarter?

• What can you park for now?

• What do you need to sustain your energy, wellbeing and leadership for the over the longer term?

• When you look back at the end of the year, what will matter most, professionally and personally?

Leading yourself sustainably isn’t indulgent. Your energy is not separate from your performance. And your sustainability is directly linked to your impact as well your intent to stay, so it's a win-win for everyone.

Have you hit the ground running this year? What's feels different?