Attend To The Pain

It's that time of year when we start to think about new year's resolutions and how we’re doing with them. I enjoy the process of planning, and I believe in having a vision and setting goals. 

However, it occurred to me the other day that there is one thing that we often struggle with that gets in the way when it comes to living our best and most productive lives, but first, a quick story. 

Focus On What Matters

I love to walk; it's my favorite way to connect with my tribe, create and relax. A good walk on a brisk cool morning, for me, there is nothing better. This past week I walked three times. The first day my back felt tight, and I kept thinking I really should stretch. However, I walked in the door and quickly forgot, even though the tightness never really went away. 

The second day, I walked with a friend, I was so distracted by the great conversation that I forgot to stretch, and it was a half-hearted stretch when I remembered. Not a total fix, but it did ease the tension just a little. 

On the third day, we walked five miles. It was beautiful. When I arrived back home, everyone was still in bed, and for 15 minutes, I stretched out my lower back. The next day when I woke up, the tension was gone. 

Ponder This

At different times all of us are guilty of not attending to the pain. Some days we forget. Other days we tackle it half-heartedly, but the reality is that's not enough. So maybe you have goals and a plan for 2022 to make this more of a priority. I applaud, celebrate, and encourage that! However, let us all ponder this - How might our lives and leadership change if we simply attended to the pain? 

Meet The Author

Leah JM Dean is a leadership strategist, tribe formation expert, certified strengths coach, best-selling author, facilitator, speaker, and founder of the women’s leadership program, the Tribe Advantage. She is on a mission to help women and organizations all across the globe transform their tribes in life and leadership. To learn more about Leah's work, her best-selling book Assemble the Tribe, or join The Tribe Advantage Leadership Program, visit www.leahjmdean.com. Leah lives in Bermuda with her husband and two children.