Last week, I came across a piece of wisdom in a newsletter that struck a chord with me during a pivotal time in my life, and I felt compelled to share it with you, believing it might resonate with you too.
Recently, I embarked on a new journey in a strategy role, filled with uncertainty and undefined goals. The ambiguity of what’s within my control and what achievements are attainable this year had started to weigh on me. However, the story I’m about to share has offered me a new perspective on focusing on what I can influence rather than what’s beyond my reach. It’s my hope that this story might offer you a similar sense of relief and renewed focus in your endeavors.
A Timely Story to Reframe Our Perspective
A few weeks ago, I was talking to a friend about my boys. My oldest had just begun playing travel baseball and lost 10 of his past 13 games – a true test of resilience. She shared a tip that worked for her now grown baseball playing son. “Before each game, ask him to think about three things he wants to focus on that are in his control… that way after the game, he can feel proud of himself regardless of whether his team won or lost.” It worked. He was proud of maintaining his calm while pitching, for continuing to cheer on his teammates, and for staying fully “in it” from the first through the final inning.
Much like my son’s baseball games, March felt like a test of my resilience. I seemed to go through all of my tried and true “tricks” and none of them worked. Then, as I sat on the sidelines during another tough baseball game in awe of my son’s grit I thought – what if I reframed my days like this? I started to spend time in the morning thinking about “what would make me proud today?” with a focus on things within my control rather than outcomes. I started to quickly take pride in how I chose to face challenges and how I kept anchored in my values. And, I’m proud to say… I made it to April!
What Would Make Me Proud Today
As I face another week filled with new challenges and uncertainties in my role, the lesson from the baseball field continues to guide me. This week, I aim to:
- Mentor new team members by imparting strategic thinking skills.
- Forge meaningful relationships with new partners at work.
- Innovate and test new approaches and strategies in my role.
- Explore how I can continue supporting our existing partners in meaningful ways.
I’m sharing this story and approach with you in the hope that it might serve as a breath of fresh air, helping you to navigate your own professional landscape with a renewed focus on what truly matters. May you find clarity and pride in the things within your control, and may this perspective bring you a sense of accomplishment and peace as it has for me.
Wishing you a week of meaningful achievements and personal growth.
Lei