The Art of Recovering and Thriving in Every Season
Photo by @iaman_upadhyay
Fundamental of the Week #16: RESPECT CONFIDENTIALITY
Honor the trust others give us. Be rigorous about safeguarding confidential information and be clear to other people about what should be kept in confidence.
—-
Life flows in a dance of cycles, from the rhythmic turn of the seasons to the waxing and waning of the moon, each marking the passage of time and the promise of fresh starts. As we stand at the threshold of another fiscal year, a new chapter unfolds, bringing a surge of energy and possibilities. Can you feel the shift in the air?
Welcoming a new beginning is akin to embracing a blank canvas, brimming with hope and the potential to shape a novel experience. But how do we approach this pristine canvas? For some, the transition might be seamless, an effortless progression into the new season. For others, the path ahead may remain hazy, obscured by the aftermath of what has been. And that's perfectly alright.
Indeed, granting ourselves the space to recover from the past is as essential as planning for the future. In their illuminating book, "The Power of Full Engagement," authors share a truth often overlooked: "The need for recovery is often viewed as evidence of weakness rather than as an integral aspect of sustained performance. The result is that we give almost no attention to renewing and expanding our energy reserves, individually or organizationally."
So, before we plunge headfirst into the opportunities of this new season, let us pause to ensure we've tended to our recovery needs.
"The richest, happiest, and most productive lives are characterized by the ability to fully engage in the challenge at hand, but also to disengage periodically and seek renewal."
- Jim Loehr/Tony Schwartz
A recent coaching experience unveiled an inspiring lesson in this regard. A client's Director recognized a team member's extraordinary dedication, lauding their commitment to a project that demanded relentless effort, even to the point of travel without a return ticket.
Acknowledgment, as research suggests, is a cornerstone in retaining valuable employees, and witnessing genuine recognition in action was heartening. Yet, what followed was even more remarkable. The Director instructed the employee to take time for self-care once the task concluded—a directive rather than a mere suggestion. This leader comprehends that relentless engagement and hard work are intrinsically tied to the idea of recovery. And, in extending this wisdom to his team, he reinforces the concept.
Do you have a practice of recovery in place? Have you granted yourself the grace of recuperation, whether from the bustling months of summer or the chapters of the year gone by? Recovery is an entity of diverse forms and spans. A brief escape, a day of respite, an hour dedicated to personal well-being—these are all forms of recovery. Reflect on what your body, mind, and soul seek for rejuvenation. Draft a plan and see it through. Then observe how this restoration breathes new life into your being.
Only then, when you've realigned yourself, should you chart your intentions and aspirations for this fresh season. How do you envision your entry into fall and the culmination of this year? Below are the three steps I suggest you take.
Recover
Define your goals and aspirations
Embark on purposeful action
Let recovery be your compass, guiding you toward the vitality that fuels accomplishments. As the leaves change colors, let your journey be one of transformation and growth, underpinned by the wisdom of renewal.
If you need support in recovery options, I can help! In the meantime, take great care in all your engagements.
In gratitude,
Fundamental of the Week #16: RESPECT CONFIDENTIALITY
Honor the trust others give us. Be rigorous about safeguarding confidential information and be clear to other people about what should be kept in confidence.
Momentum Consulting offers executive business coaching, top-level executive consulting, team training, and team off-sites to build and transform your business to the next level. Inquire about business consulting and leadership coaching today.
