Lions and gazelles on the African plains both start their day with the same action. They both start running. The gazelle knows it must outrun the fastest lion or be killed. The lion knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve.
Whereas I could not agree more with your suggestion that awakening with a conscious commitment to come alive to the day as an energy generator (to self and others) is a cornerstone of productivity, creativity, and innovation - I lean away from the implication that such an aliveness needs to show up as a hit the ground “running” kind of energy.
Some of our most luminary leaders in the world begin their days with a regimen of quiet and reflective pause before they dive into the more tactical activities of the day. They choose a consciously easeful entry; they nourish their bodies and minds without the push or crazy pace they know will be present in the day’s demands ahead.
Many meditate or practice some kind of mindfulness • journal/pray • read inspiring content • move their bodies and feed themselves healthy, nourishing foods. There’s nothing fast about it - many such leaders taking 2+ hours each morning to dedicate to this personal preparedness and way of personal sustainability.
This kind of Self-Leadership and Self-Respect practice is what allows them to be the high-level generator of energy for themselves and others. It’s a commitment to being the architect of their day, and a way to answer the question I encourage my clients to ask every morning, “What do I want to come alive in me today?”
Whereas I could not agree more with your suggestion that awakening with a conscious commitment to come alive to the day as an energy generator (to self and others) is a cornerstone of productivity, creativity, and innovation - I lean away from the implication that such an aliveness needs to show up as a hit the ground “running” kind of energy.
Some of our most luminary leaders in the world begin their days with a regimen of quiet and reflective pause before they dive into the more tactical activities of the day. They choose a consciously easeful entry; they nourish their bodies and minds without the push or crazy pace they know will be present in the day’s demands ahead.
Many meditate or practice some kind of mindfulness • journal/pray • read inspiring content • move their bodies and feed themselves healthy, nourishing foods. There’s nothing fast about it - many such leaders taking 2+ hours each morning to dedicate to this personal preparedness and way of personal sustainability.
This kind of Self-Leadership and Self-Respect practice is what allows them to be the high-level generator of energy for themselves and others. It’s a commitment to being the architect of their day, and a way to answer the question I encourage my clients to ask every morning, “What do I want to come alive in me today?”