I was recently contacted by a professor at Regent University, who is in the final Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) course in the Leadership Coaching track, this question:
“When and how does the Coach “sharpen the saw?” We counsel our clients to reflect on where they’ve been and where they want to go, but how do we do the same?”
This question really spoke to my heart, 
passion and purpose for being in the coaching industry. No matter what profession you are in (teacher, doctor, counselor, coach, lawyer and more…) you are a leader and all leaders benefit from having mentors in their circle of influence. Take time to grow your circle of influence. Many of the things I coach and mentor to others I am already doing myself; truly living the skills and techniques I am teaching.
Here are just a few:
- Mentors – find other coaches, authors, teachers, that inspire and motivate you. Who do you admire and look up to? What feeds your mind, body and soul?
- Self-Care – this could be a variety of things from getting a massage, taking a bubble bath, meditation, yoga, prayer etc. Of course the traditional exercise and nutrition is always important. Double or triple your water intake during hectic and more stressful times. Explore your boundaries and learn to say ‘no’.
- JOY log – each day reflect on the day and find three new things that brought you JOY. Focusing on finding new things each day trains your brain to scan your life and world for the positive.
- Find your ‘happy place’ – it doesn’t have to be a faraway exotic island. My happy place is later in the evening when the rest of the family is quiet and taken care of to float in the pool under the stars. That is my time of reflection. However, that doesn’t work in the middle of January, so we all would benefit from finding more than one ‘happy place’ where we can surrender the day, the technology, the noise, and reflect completely by growing our mindfulness and awareness.
I wish you all much peace and happiness in your souls as well as JOY and love in your hearts.
Warmly,
Cynthia