I just sent an email to a client. It is later than I like to send emails to clients, because I generally advise our clients not to send (or write or read) afterhours emails. But I had to get the email out, and it was afterhours, so it was the best option.
Then I cut myself some slack.
I have been cutting myself a good deal of slack these days.
And that, actually, is a leadership strength, as awkward and uncomfortable as it may feel.
I am dealing with a tough family issue – and I am a bit less thorough, a bit less on time, and a bit less up to my own standards. Truth be told, it is sapping my energy, and I am often weary and sad. This issue has gone on for a while and will most likely continue for a while more.
I simply cannot do everything at the level I expect myself to, and I simply must cut myself some slack. Which, in full disclosure, is something I’m not sure I could have done years ago. I have some deep, old “programming” to keep pushing no matter what.
But Thoughtful Leadership – being present, being intentional, and being authentic – also means being truthful about our current limitations, admitting when we need help, and upping our selfcare practices when things are tough. This is what we teach our clients, and it is what we practice ourselves.
It is a practice, because it still can be tough to do.
But I am doing it. And, lucky for me, I have a number of people around me who are reminding me that it may be a tough thing to do but that it is the best thing to do.
Perhaps reading how I am cutting myself some slack will give you, if you might be also facing challenges and doing your best to push yourselves through, “permission” to cut yourself some slack as well. Perhaps it will encourage you to lean on your team and/or loved ones, to lower your standards (where possible), and to up your selfcare.
Because that is, again, powerful, Thoughtful, authentic leadership.
Many clients who know what I’m facing have emailed me in the recent past. “Are you taking care of yourself like you tell us to?” they ask. “Are you slowing down and letting yourself be?”
My answer today is, “Yes, I am. Are you?”
Let’s all cut ourselves and each other some slack when we need it.
How have you learned to be easier on yourself?
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If you enjoyed this post, you can read more like it in our book, The Power of Thoughtful Leadership: 101 Minutes To Being the Leader You Want To Be, available on Amazon.
For support in being easier on yourself, contact Lisa at lkohn@chatsworthconsulting.com.
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