“This is not a good time.”
I hear this often from leaders! There are many compelling reasons to postpone, to which I reply:
| You: | Me: |
| I am in the middle of a big project; I can’t take on anything else until it is completed. | When you have completed that project, will there be another, I wonder? |
| I am going on vacation; I will consider it after I get back. | Not likely, because there will be even more urgent tasks facing you on your return. |
| There are many people relying on me, my Team, my Family, I can’t take away time for myself. | Hum, I wonder what will happen to those people when you burn out? |
What are your reasons for not choosing now to tend to yourself?
I have used all of the above explanations, and a few others, to put off my own development and learning. This pattern of thinking never changes. There will always be a shortage of time, money and energy…and it will never feel comfortable to choose now. The urgent things in front of you will always grab your attention and demand to be put first.
Why do flight attendants instruct us before taking off to put our own oxygen masks on first before helping others?
The simple answer is that without oxygen you are incapacitated to help others. It is the same reason you need to put yourself first over the urgency of projects and other peoples’ priorities. As a Leader, without sharpening your tools, tending to your needs and your development, you cannot guide others with energy or authenticity.
If you don’t sharpen your tools, the work ahead of you gets harder to accomplish, takes more time and energy.
Instead, consider why now is the right time. Here are some reasons that make sense for me:
- I feel energized when I am learning new ideas and practicing new skills.
- My enthusiasm in learning creates a contagion effect over my other tasks and responsibilities.
- When I know that there is a better way to lead and work and achieve my goals, the desire propels me.
- When I make a decision to take action, it gets scheduled. When a task gets scheduled, it gets done.
What makes sense to you? What would compel you to put your learning and practice first, now?