Finding Balance Among Your Commitments

Recently, I made an accountability partner agreement with a friend - specific to one area of my professional life. Weekly we agreed to share our commitments with each other, to champion and also hold each other accountable to our commitments.

Yesterday, I wracked my brain trying to think of what I wanted to and would be willing to commit to regarding this professional goal.

The thing about making commitments is that, like change and so many other things in life, they don't come in prettily wrapped individual packets. They overlap and pile up.

So, this particular commitment happens to fall on top of some new health and exercise commitments, a 10 day spirituality course, work and teaching commitments, all of which coincide with the bi-annual pack-it-all up, clean-it-all up and head back to Texas, a 13-hour drive.

I was tempted to make myself commit to something big, to force myself to show big initiative. Yet, as I contemplated the fall equinox and the balance it signifies, I decided I wouldn't do that this time. This time, I'd honor my own balance. Instead of making a bold promise or doubling-down on my efforts, I'd honor how busy this week already is.

I made a small, simple commitment instead. 

At work and in leadership, where do you need to pause and re-evaluate your commitments?   What is getting in the way of  your progress or your ability to balance your responsibilities, time, and emotions?

• Give some thought to what you can delegate.
• Consider what hasn't worked in a long time, that you've been afraid to let go of or to stop and adjust.
• Look at your relationships, your network, your sponsors, your team and determine where there is a need to nurture, to strengthen, to move past easy or chaos and towards what supports more people, including yourself.
• Pause as your hackles raise and you get annoyed for the 15th time. Breathe. Look for common ground and consider how you might avoid conflict and seek collaborative balance.

You may not find all your answers in one moment or place, but grant yourself the time to consider what will bring you balance. And then find someone to partner with you in your commitment to this new balance in your work and leadership. 

For more on leadership mindset check out our weekly Mini but Mighty ℠ Leadership Lessons on YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/@BossattheHelm