I am a believer in patterns providing signs and timely reminders… and the pattern I see at the moment, is people being tested in practicing their patience.
For one reason or another, quite a number of my friends and colleagues are managing a recovery from illness or injury.
For me, I decided I wanted to try wake surfing over the new year break, and ended up tearing my hamstring, (this isn’t a poor me story - others have it far worse than me), but this was a lovely little reminder about how sometimes we can push through and other times… well it’s 12 weeks of patient recovery and rebuilding.
Photo courtesy of Aron Visuals – Unsplash
This is true in life and work.
Have you ever found yourself constantly pushing hard to get things done?
I have shared before, I am (and have always been) a ‘get stuff done’ kind of person. I typically take on more than I can reasonably get done in the time allocated, and then just go hard to get it all done.
What I noticed in myself, was a tendency to be pushing hard all the time. So much so that one day, I was on the treadmill at the gym, doing a programmed 20-minute session… and I noticed myself going hard thinking I could ‘smash it out quicker’ if I just pushed harder?!
Yep, you read that right, I found myself behaving like I could get a 20-minute session done in less than 20 minutes!
Now while I like to think I have full control in my day to day, logically I know I cannot control time. But my personal behaviour was to push through everything all the time; and saw me, on that treadmill, realise that sometimes I just need to BE in the moment and take the time the task needs to be done properly.
Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it works…we cram in our study, binge watch that series, crash diet for an event, pull an all-nighter to get that report or project done; We push hard and get stuff done. What I am encouraging you (and me) to do, is have this as an option in reserve rather than a default setting.
Aside from the energy drain of being on high alert all the time, there are times that this ‘GSD’ approach doesn’t work. One conversation does not build a relationship, nor does a fly-in-fly-out presence develop your team.
Being recognised for your leadership skills, creating an effective team, growing your career; all of these require effort, patience and time to build the trust and rapport (ie relationships) required to be successful.
So, whether it is a physical injury, or a relationship to be nurtured, be patient and invest in the long game. That is where sustainable success lives.
Keep well,
Vicki
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If you would like further information or to arrange some support in building this skill please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to helping you build your success your way.
Yours in success,
Vicki
