Thoughts for when you feel like the wounded leader

I’m in a bit of a “What the F season?!?!”

Two things have shown up in my life that look eerily similar to some past challenges I’ve faced.

One is that I have a herniated disc in my neck (watch your desk posture, people!) - AGAIN!

Two years ago I had a ruptured disc in my cervical spine that caused me lots of pain and cost LOTS of money to treat.  I, eventually, had to have an artificial disc replacement.

The other issue is nearly identical to a past predicament as well. 

Over the past few weeks I’ve been trying to figure out what is here for me to learn.  I’ve been trying to see the lessons I must have missed the first time around.

And when I’ve lost some sleep and started to feel discouraged this is the thought that creeps into my head, 

“Who am I to try to help other leaders?”

“I’ve fallen through some worm hole into the past where I have to face the same challenges AGAIN!  I can’t figure it out.  So maybe I’m not the right person to coach others.”

Here’s the truth in those sad thoughts that I see:

• I don’t know what I’m learning right now because I’m in the midst of learning it.

• Some day I will have more clarity.

• When I do, I will use that to lead and coach from that new place.

When we feel down and out or when we feel a bit beaten up, those can be the hardest moments to stay in our commitment to leadership.

They give us evidence that we should quit.

• “See, it’s just as I suspected, I’m not good enough.”

• “If I’m struggling, who am I to help someone else?”

And in the moment of pain and difficulty, we throw away all our other hard fought lessons and earned wisdom.

So this is your reminder that your current crisis does not diminish the gifts you have to give.

And when you (we) are on the other side of this terrible moment, we will have even more experience, more perspective, more compassion, and deeper understanding to give to all those we lead and serve.

It’s this very cycle that likely brought us to leadership in the first place.

1. Try something.

2. Take a hit.

3. Recover.

4. Reflect.

5. Share what you learned.

I’m in it with you.

I see you.

We got this.

Cheering you on in leadership,

Maggie

P.S. If you’re in a “What the F season?!?!” of your own right now, you don’t have to go it alone. I’m offering a free 60-minute Holistic Leadership Coaching call where we can untangle the challenges you’re facing and help you reconnect with your self-trust. You can book your spot HERE.