We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams. That hits me nearly every day. As I look at the picture of my grandmother on my desk, I feel how amazing it is to live the life I lead, and to lead in my work. Those feelings and accomplishments, those duties and those responsibilities can flood one with so much emotion. That, coupled with the speed by which we live our lives, can lend itself to action without reflection. I have tried to focus on always thinking, in between feeling and acting. This does not come naturally for me.
What does this have to do with leadership? Before picking up the mantle of leadership, even mentally, I think time spent exploring one’s core values, and building a foundation out of your values and authentic self is time well spent. This is that important work between feeling and acting, that additional necessary step that keeps you in touch with your ‘why’, and shapes your personal ultimate measures of success. I think this is the essential part of the journey towards self-discovery, and ultimately towards the discovery of one’s purpose. And you’re never done doing this valuable work, not if you want to remain relevant and vital.
"With what the patient needs as the center, there is no room for ego. There is a commitment to life-long learning"
I’m a physician. My first time contemplating what that meant as far as purpose and markers of success happened in residency. I had a few patients die. These cases were gut-wrenching, and completely inevitable. This inevitability didn’t allay my turmoil. It wasn’t until I had a beautiful patient (who was terminal, news that fell to me to convey) teach me what my job was as her physician. She was worried about various social issues pertaining to her family. These were things I could impact. And a lightbulb went off.