Mental fitness for leaders this Christmas
Recovery strategies from endurance athletes, leadership paradox & 78 seconds of deep breath
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Anatomically speaking, the brain is not a muscle. Yet, like other parts of your body, it helps you thrive if your mind is fit, healthy and feeling good.
However after nearly two years of leading through the pandemic, it’s natural for both your body and mind to be feeling less than optimal.
In my experience leaders often invest a huge amount of time focussing on their teams well-being. But their own often comes further down the list.
Having spent the last two months as part of Stanford guru Shirzad Chamaine’s Positive Intelligence coach programme (which helps leaders and their teams build mental fitness), his research shows that boosting your mental fitness can lead to a minimum 31% better performance. It’s worth your investment.
So, as you approach the final day before the holidays (and period where stress actually increases for nearly 40% of you), here are six small things to help you focus on your mental fitness and feel fresh and focussed.
Insight: For most leaders, navigating and leading through the pandemic has been like participating in the ultramarathon that you didn't sign up for and that you certainly didn’t train for. With a few sprints thrown in. And like the endurance athlete, rest and recovery for leaders is critical. Here's how you can get your recovery:
Paradox: In conversations about leadership wellbeing I’ve been talking with clients about the contrast between two metaphors both which are used to describe the role of a leader.
The metaphor on the left comes from the military, where one of the first lessons leaders learn is to put your soldiers first. Simon Sinek wrote a whole book based on this theory. The second prescribes taking care of yourself; so that you can take care of others.
What do you believe and what do you do? (and sub question: are they the same)
What advantage does it give you? And where does it put you at risk?
What one thing could you do to help you do it even better?
Concept: I’ve been reflecting on the similarities between leadership and endurance athletes, and the many forms that rest occurs. Which type of rest do you find most effective for switching off? And have you got the balance right?
Observation: I love the Spanish ritual of slow walking, post lunch, in the fresh air. Often it’s simply around the streets of the nearest neighbourhood its purpose is to talk, digest and rest. I never appreciated how embedded into this southern European culture walking is. We talk a lot about the value of the mediterranean diet, but I suspect the daily habit of walking has a big impact on their mind too. What could it make possible for you this week?
Breathe: One of my favourite writers, Austin Kleon, shared this excellent video. Before you switch off for the holiday, it’s an excellent way to spend your final 78 seconds of work.
Question: What commitment are you willing to make to yourself, and those around you, to build your mental fitness?
If need help feeling calm, stress free and focussed for the year ahead, send a quick note to me at rebecca@rebeccajjackson.com and I’ll help you figure it out.
Meantime, thanks for reading this. If you found it thought provoking, please share it with someone you know.
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas and holidays,
Rebecca