The New Year brings a flurry of resolutions, a promise of a “new you.” But how often do those well-intentioned goals fade away, leaving behind a sense of disappointment or inadequacy?
What if, this year, you try something different? What if, instead of striving for an elusive future self, you embraced the power of presence? “Leading Beyond the Self” is about recognising that “You are enough,” right here, right now.
It’s about leading authentically, from a place of wholeness, not from a place of lack. In this post, we’ll explore how shifting you focus from resolutions to presence can unlock a more fulfilling and impactful way to live and lead, not just in the new year, but every day.
The problem with resolutions
Every January, gyms overflow with new members, and ambitious to-do lists are made. Yet, studies show that most New Year’s resolutions are abandoned within a few weeks. Why is it so hard to stick to them? Often, it’s because resolutions are rooted in a sense of lack – “I need to lose weight,” “I need to get a promotion,” “I need to be more productive.”
This constant striving for self-improvement can actually reinforce the belief that you are not enough as you are. It creates a cycle of chasing external validation and neglecting the present moment, leading to increased stress and a sense of never truly arriving. Resolutions often focus on changing who you are, rather than accepting and appreciating who you are now.
The power of ‘lead with presence’
But what if we shifted our focus from doing to being? This is the essence of presence: being fully engaged in the present moment, without judgment or the need to change anything. It’s about cultivating an awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations, without getting swept away by them.
“You are enough” is not just a feel-good mantra; it’s a profound truth that becomes evident when we practice presence. When we stop striving to become someone better in the future and instead turn our attention to the richness of our current experience, we discover a deep well of wisdom, strength, and peace within. Presence allows us to connect with our authentic selves, to lead from a place of wholeness, and to create a more meaningful impact on the world around us.
Leading beyond the self: Lead with presence
“Leading Beyond the Self” is about moving beyond the limitations of the ego and leading from a place of presence and authenticity. When we are fully present, we access our inner wisdom, make decisions with clarity, and connect with our team members on a deeper level.
Presence allows us to respond to challenges with greater composure and resilience, rather than reacting from fear or stress. How can you cultivate presence in your daily life? Start with simple practices:
- Mindful Breathing: Take a few deep breaths before a meeting, focusing on the sensation of the breath entering and leaving your body.
- Active Listening: When someone is speaking to you, truly listen without formulating your response or getting distracted by your phone.
- Digital Detox: Put away your phone during meals or other designated times, and savor the experience of being fully present.
- Nature Connection: Spend time each day connecting with nature, even if it’s just a short walk in the park.
These small moments of presence can have a profound ripple effect on your leadership and your life.
Conclusion
This New Year, consider ditching the pressure of resolutions and embracing the transformative power of presence. “Leading Beyond the Self” is about recognising that “You are enough,” right here, right now.
It’s about leading authentically, from a place of inner peace and connection. By cultivating presence in our daily lives, we can unlock a more fulfilling and impactful way to live and lead. Are you ready to explore this new way of being? Contact me to learn more about how my leadership coaching can help you embrace your authentic power, or share your thoughts on presence in the comments below.
I look forward to connecting with you (also find me on LinkedIn).
