Level Up: Stay the Course with Courage-Fueled Growth 

Person walking up stairs going in each direction

We’ve all felt it—that inner nudge to level up in life or professionally. It’s that undeniable pull to step into a bigger, bolder version of ourselves, leaving behind what no longer serves us. Maybe you’re craving more purpose in your career, or perhaps you want to create a lifestyle that aligns with your deeper values. 

But when the time comes to make the leap, one thing is clear: leveling up takes courage. It’s not just about change; it’s about having the bravery to face the unknown and embrace who you’re becoming.

So, how do you know you’re leveling up? How do you handle the reactions of others when they try to hold you back? And how can you stay the course when the going gets tough? Let’s explore this journey together and uncover how courage is the key to unlocking your next level.

To listen to this month’s blog, click here.

 Signs You’re Leveling Up

One of the first signs you’re leveling up is a shift in perspective. The things that once excited or satisfied you no longer do. You start yearning for more—a more fulfilling career, richer relationships, or simply more meaning in your day-to-day life. This inner stirring is a signal that you’re ready for growth.

Another key sign is discomfort. Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone, and leveling up often brings feelings of unease, anxiety, or even fear. But here’s the thing—discomfort is a good sign. It means you’re stretching beyond your limits and stepping into new possibilities. It can mean that what you are doing or how you think no longer aligns with what you are feeling inside. The sometimes subtle sense of misalignment is an inner signal to help you become aware you can welcome the changes that are naturally occurring. 

 You’ll also notice that new opportunities, people, and ideas start showing up when you least expect them. Whether it’s a job offer, a chance to develop a skill, or meeting someone who inspires you, these synchronicities are the universe’s way of saying, “You’re ready.”

Courage’s Role in Leveling Up

Leveling up requires courage because change often means facing the unknown and letting go of what feels familiar. Stepping into your next level can be scary—there’s no roadmap, and the outcome isn’t guaranteed. But courage is what keeps you moving forward, even when you’re unsure of what’s ahead.

Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s acting despite the fear. It’s saying yes to new possibilities, even when you’re nervous about leaving your comfort zone. It’s about trusting that the discomfort is temporary, and what’s waiting for you on the other side is worth the risk. The courage to level up comes from believing in your potential and knowing that you’re capable of so much more than where you are right now.

 

The Courage to level up isn’t the absence of fear; it’s acting despite the fear

 

Others Might React to Your Growth

Here’s where it gets tricky: not everyone will be happy about your decision to level up. The truth is, your growth can make other people uncomfortable. Why? Because when you change, it forces them to confront their own lives and choices. If you’re leveling up, they may feel left behind or challenged to face their own fears of growth.

You might hear comments like, “You’ve changed,” or “Why are you doing that? You were fine before.” These statements can sting, especially when they come from those closest to you. But remember, their discomfort isn’t about you—it’s about them. People may try to pull you back to where they feel comfortable, but that’s not where you belong. Not to worry – Most of these relationships will adapt. The most important thing is to honor what’s happening in you and go with that authenticity. Everything else will fall into place and be right in the long run.

Stay on Course 

When leveling up, there will be moments of doubt. You’ll be tempted to go back to what’s familiar, especially when others are questioning your path. But here’s the thing: going backward is never the answer. So how do you stay the course when things get tough?

  1. Revisit Your Why – Why did you decide to level up in the first place? What’s driving you? When the road gets bumpy, remind yourself of your deeper purpose. Whether it’s to find more fulfillment, make a greater impact, or achieve a dream you’ve been putting off, your “why” is your anchor.
  2. Lean Into Courage – When fear or doubt creeps in, take a deep breath and lean into courage. Remember that every successful person has faced obstacles and moments of uncertainty. Courage will carry you through. Help yourself by coming up with a short statement or mantra if you will, to repeat to yourself in these times, as much as you need to – like “Yes I can.”
  3. Build a Support System – Surround yourself with people who support your growth and vision. Whether it’s a mentor, a coach, or friends who are also leveling up, having a solid support system can help you stay strong when others try to hold you back. This can make all the difference.
  4. Set Boundaries – As you grow, it’s important to set boundaries with those who may be unsupportive or even unintentionally sabotaging your efforts. You don’t have to cut them out of your life, but you do need to protect your energy and focus on your path.
  5. Celebrate Small Wins – Progress can feel slow at times, but every small step forward is definitely worth celebrating. Acknowledge the wins, no matter how small, and use them as fuel to keep going.

Journal Prompts: Reflect on Your Leveling Up Journey

  1. What is calling me to level up, and what excites me most about this new chapter?
  1. What fears do I have about stepping into this next level, and how can I summon the courage to face them?
  1. Who in my life might struggle with my growth, and how can I set healthy boundaries to protect my journey?
  1. What small victories have I achieved so far, and how can I celebrate them to stay motivated?

You Have the Courage to Level Up—and You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Embrace leveling up . It can take a little bravery. It’s about stepping into the unknown, confronting your fears, and staying true to your growth, even when others don’t understand. But the rewards are worth every bit of discomfort and doubt. You’re becoming the person you’re meant to be—stronger, wiser, more fulfilled.

If you’re finding yourself at a crossroads, unsure of how to navigate the tension between your old self and the new one waiting to emerge, know that you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to support you. As someone who has walked this path with others, I can help you stay the course, even when it feels challenging.

Reach out today if you’re ready to step into your next level and need guidance on how to make it happen. Together, we’ll turn your courage into a powerful force for growth and transformation!

Recharge to Lead: The Undervalued Importance of Rest for Leaders

bare feet in sand at the waters edge

In a world that glorifies busyness, we often overlook the undervalued importance of rest – especially as leaders! Our society applauds the executives who burn the midnight oil, leaders who are always ‘on’, and the hard-chargers who sacrifice sleep for success. But did you know that the most effective leaders have a secret weapon? It’s rest – the antithesis of relentless hustle!

Last month I addressed the underlying burnout that is hitting everyone as we come down from the non-stop sprint through 3+ years of a global pandemic. And because we are so used to overworking in this culture anyway, it’s been hard to stop and be OK with the fact that it’s actually critical for leaders to incorporate rest.

Rest is not just the absence of work, it’s a fundamental human need, and a cornerstone for becoming a successful, balanced, and effective leader. It provides a powerful edge, allowing us to replenish our mental and emotional resources, regain focus, enhance creativity, and be more mindful in decision-making.

The Importance of Rest

When you skimp on rest, you deprive yourself of the energy and clarity needed to lead effectively. In contrast, ample rest heightens your cognitive functions, sharpens your decision-making skills, and boosts your emotional intelligence – all vital ingredients for effective leadership.

Consider this: Have you ever noticed that your best ideas often come when you’re not at work? Perhaps during a quiet morning coffee, a peaceful walk, or a rejuvenating weekend getaway. Are you nodding? It’s no coincidence. When you’re rested, your brain has a chance to wander and explore new possibilities. It has the bandwidth to think strategically and connect the dots that often get overlooked in the hustle of a regular workday.

How do you integrate rest into your leadership routine? Here are some practical strategies to consider:

Embrace Rest to Refuel

  1. Prioritize Quality Sleep: Sleep is a non-negotiable for restorative rest. Prioritize at least seven to eight hours of quality sleep per night. Remember, it’s not wasted time, but an investment in your leadership potential.
  2. Intentional Downtime: Allow yourself time to unplug from work, enjoying a hobby, exploring nature, meditating, or simply doing nothing. These replenish your energy and enable you to return to your role with renewed vigor.
  3. Regular Vacations: Make it a priority to take regular vacations (even if it’s a day trip or a short weekend) where you can completely disengage from work. By stepping away from your usual environment, you allow your mind to relax, refresh, and open up to new perspectives.
  4. Mindful Breaks: Incorporate mindful breaks into your workday. Even short pauses can help reduce stress, maintain focus, and boost your overall performance.

Rest for Powerful Leadership

Rest isn’t a luxury or an indulgence—it’s a necessity for effective leadership. It’s about acknowledging your human need for rejuvenation and taking in the benefits laid out above can make you a better leader. It’s about realizing that, to lead others well, you must first take care of yourself. The New York Times recently featured Tricia Hershey, founder of the Nap Ministry, for having spent years preaching the gospel of rest and divesting from corporate and academic pressures, suggesting you refuse to run yourself into the ground. 

By embracing rest as a crucial element of your leadership strategy, you’re not only promoting your personal well-being, but also fostering a culture that values balance. You’re leading by example, showing your team that it’s not just about working hard, but also about working smart. 

As you embark on your leadership journey, remember the importance of rest. Far from an obstacle to success, it’s a source of fuel.

Do you want to explore more about how rest can enhance your leadership potential? Are you ready to break free from the ‘always on’ culture and embrace a more balanced approach to leadership? I’d love to work with you on this journey. Contact me and let’s take this transformative step together. 

With the right balance of work and rest, you can become the effective, inspiring leader you aspire to be. 

 

How to Find More Time

How to find more time has been a bit of a quest for the holy grail of modern life, well before the added challenges we’re facing today. But it is possible to find time. We manage to find a way to meet the new grandbaby, take a dream trip, or book a necessary medical procedure, no matter how busy we are. But how can we apply that day to day?

The last 2 years of the pandemic and all the ways it’s affected our daily lives has really had an impact – so first, we each need to give ourselves a break. The way to get through this is to ground ourselves by creating deeper meaning and order in our own lives. Getting clear on true priorities, based on our values, then making room for them goes a long way in staying centered in the midst of it all. 

If you want help to identify those things, visit both the November and December blogs. 

Either way, how do you find the time to do what you need to?  We all have the same 24 hours to work with. Some manage it well. You can be one of those people. How?

We can make time for what’s important if we stop giving it away to what’s not.

Take a pause here. Let that sink in. 

How To Find More Time

Write down a list of where you misspend your time. Let yourself think on this for a good while, so the less obvious ways will arise. Be really honest here, because it’s this list that will empower you to create a more rewarding life. 

Examples are:

  • Constantly checking emails and texts
  • Meaningless scrolling through Social Media
  • Over-watching TV (rehashed news stories, games or sports)
  • Overdoing anything to excess- shopping, eating, sleeping, cleaning 
  • Doing low priority items as a way of putting off important ones
  • Falling down a rabbit hole on the internet
  • Unnecessary meetings, or poorly run ones
  • Saying ‘yes’ to too much – especially to social “obligations”
  • Lack of priorities or of keeping them top of mind daily
  • Doing for others what they can (and should?) do for themselves
  • Trying to do it all, perfectly

The last two are time killers indeed. 

Create Solutions 

Now that you’ve located some real time wasters, the good news is, you can create your own solutions! 

Make room for a brainstorming session- even if you have to drive to some park bench to get it. Take one item at a time and come up with practical ways to solve the time waster. Take into account both behavior changes and internal drivers – how your thinking may need to shift, and that you may need to inform some people that changes are afoot. This makes it all easier to change.

Improve Work Habits

We kind of fell into our habits with emails, texts and social media… and now they contribute to the countless interruptions to our day. So it is totally accomplishable to walk into new habits to restore some order, focus and productivity. Set times to check email and texts, ie: for the first half hour at your desk, then just before or after lunch, and again an hour before you leave.

Explore your notifications and sounds on all your devices. Set up a special ring for the emergency ones, and learn how to turn all others off so you take the lead, rather than every ping yanking you out of where you need to be. 

Follow by blocking time for uninterrupted work. People will get to know that you don’t answer your phone for personal calls until lunch time (or while driving, or on Sunday mornings for that matter). If you have to, tell the 5 people who expect an immediate response to non-essential texts that you’re shifting how you do things.

Curate Your Consciousness

Become aware of what goes into your head each day – news, music, relatives, clients, bosses and their needs or  problems, plus your own inner commentary on it all. When it all is too much, why not decide to watch only funny movies, or read rom coms instead of the new White House tell all? It’s OK to protect your psyche! 

Scale Down Social Media

A big part of consciousness curation is your social media habits. Is it time to go through your friends list on FB, Twitter, IG, etc and let go of who you don’t really know, or whose been a bit of a drag?  Be thoughtful about it, Maybe you can’t just delete a cousin without issue, but check your privacy settings. You can hide their posts for some time, or make a list of FB of what friends can’t see your posts. 

If you are going to spend some time scrolling each day, you might as well  se and hear things that raise your serotonin, feeds your hope and strength, teaches you something or brings joy. It can still be a sink hole but at least your feed will be positive. 

Go down your list and add at least one solution to each time waster till you complete the list. Don’t expect to shift it all overnight. It took time to make the habits, so give yourself a little time to make new ones. Keep this front and center and keep working at it.  If you see it as the way to spend more time on who and what really matters to you, you will succeed!

As you enter the new year, now is a great time to make meaningful changes. I offer private coaching sessions and can partner with you to help you live your best life.

Let’s Connect and get started!