If decluttering closets for spring cleaning makes your feel better, imagine how taking actions to declutter your mind can make you a more focused, productive and happier leader.
Spring is a time for “new beginnings!” It’s the start of longer days, increased sun and warmer weather. These changes act as a stimulant, triggering people to be more active. They also help you to see situations from a new perspective, try new things, and seek new opportunities. If decluttering closets for spring cleaning makes your feel better, imagine how taking actions to declutter your mind can make you a more focused, productive and happier leader. Some ideas for helping you make the most of the change in your thinking and behaviors with the beginning of the new season:
– Start your day with intention: Prepare for the day ahead by reflecting on what you plan to do or achieve. Setting a purpose and determining what needs to be done increases the likelihood of it becoming a reality. Your time for reflection can be done while walking, meditating, journaling or preparing your “to do” list; find a practice that works best for you. The ritual of spending a few minutes before jumping into the craziness of your busy day will help improve your outcomes; you will be better prepared and focused on what steps you need to take to accomplish your goals.
– Start a new activity : What a great time to do something new, perhaps something you have been wanting to do but keep putting off. How many of your New Year’s resolutions have you gotten to? Make the most of the extra hours of sunlight by doing something aspirational, something you never did before. Inspire your team to do the same; engage members on a new project that stretches their capabilities and teaches them a skill. I encourage you to pick one or two new activities and take small steps to move you forward.
– Start to focus on your strengths: All too often we spend time being down on ourselves about what we don’t know how to do. Enhance your effectiveness by leveraging your strengths and working with others with complementary skills; focusing on gaps creates self-doubt which could hinder execution. As a leader, optimize the performance of your team by aligning individuals in roles that accentuate their strengths. Emphasizing strengths improves performance while also increasing confidence and providing a greater sense of fulfillment.
– Start paying attention to your needs: Reflect on what is important to you (personally and professionally) and incorporate actions that support these values. The common saying “nobody goes to their grave wishing they had worked harder” has meaning for all of us. Good health and well-being have actually been proven to increase your effectiveness by giving you more energy, a greater sense of calm, and increased clarity in your thinking. Find ways to integrate “take care of you time” into your busy schedule – it will reap you many rewards.
I hope this is helpful and wish you a very happy Spring! I’m not waiting for the warm weather to move forward, and neither should you!
