Unrelenting Uncertainty

STAY IN THE GAME!

 

As we continue to manage through the pandemic and adjust what were our “daily routines”, I want to share a story that I think is relevant for many of us.

With Covid restrictions on fitness centers, I found the opportunity to continue to do distanced workouts outdoors with my trainer in a nearby park. I have come to enjoy these outdoor workouts. We’ve found creative ways to use park equipment to get a full workout in, even while I am still recovering from a broken pinky toe on my right foot.

Last week, my trainer directed me to do “step-ups” on the bleachers—but only to the bottom step, just 8 inches off the ground, which is much lower than I would normally do—so I turned to him and asked, somewhat facetiously, “Is this what I’ve been reduced to?”

“Yes”, he replied frankly. “With an injured foot, you just want to stay in the game”.

That resonated with me and, since then, I’ve been thinking about what “staying in the game” means, particularly in these uncertain and challenging times. Many of us feel limited in our efforts to take care of our work, our family, and ourselves. We can no longer connect face-to-face with our team or clients, and we are struggling to balance the newly blurred lines between our personal and professional lives while we continue to shelter in place. Any commitments we might try to make to ourselves to exercise, take time out for a break during the day, or pursue some new interest, seem to keep falling off our daily “to do” list.

So, what can we do to “stay in the game”, given all the demands on our time and how fast our world is changing? I don’t have the answer—but I do have a few suggestions derived from my own experience and what I am learning from the leaders I am working with:

  • You don’t need to be an A+ player right now. Many of you are ambitious high-achievers who hold yourselves to the highest standards. That is fine for a different time, but not for now. Being a B/B+ player now is just fine.
  • Every effort has value. I was listening recently to an interview with some of our disappointed Olympic athletes whose dreams to compete in the 2020 Olympics have been delayed. When asked how they stay motivated when their goals remain uncertain, many of them said that any kind of training they could do was worthwhile.
  • Doing something is better than doing nothing. Don’t hold off getting in the optimal workout, the perfectly planned client conversation, or a super special family outing. We know from behavioral science that just taking small steps can be very powerful.

Think about how you can “stay in the game” every day. I’d love to hear from you on this subject! Please join me in the InnerProfessional community of practice and then explore the resources or take part in our leadership study.

Roberta A. LaPorte, Organizational Consultant

After spending 25 years leading Fortune 50 organizations and technology start-ups, Bobbie draws on positive psychology and her experience as a six-time Ironman triathlon finisher to help organizations navigate uncertainty and get ready for anything

FEATURED COURSE

Leading Through Uncertainty

Build leadership skills to navigate through the unrelenting uncertainty of our times. Learn practices that are science-based, scalable and easy to implement.

Starts March 22, 2021


Instructor-Led Course

4-Weeks Online
6hrs Est. Course time
Peer-group Networking

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