15 questions to inspire growth
The secret of life is knowing what you want and asking for is - Lailah Gifty Akita
One reason Learning to Lead was formed was to discuss the realities and challenges of leadership, but another was to remind us all that we are already leaders in our life, no matter title, place of work, type of work, or direct team size. Sometimes the first step of leadership is believing in ourselves and embracing our roles as leaders, and that starts with leading in our life.
I can think back to many times when I was challenged to see myself as a leader, but this week I’ll share one story that connects with the topic of this newsletter. Several years ago I attended an event focused on talent and mentorship. The event included tools to define goals, group working sessions to challenge barriers, and several inspiring speakers. One speaker really stood out, Victoria Alonso. Victoria has an impressive career as a filmmaker, but the story she shared was about the challenges she experienced when she was not being true to herself, what she really cared about, and what she loved doing. Like many, the challenges showed up in all areas of her life and affected her health and forced her to change. As she told this story she asked everyone in the audience to close their eyes, take a deep breath, and ask themselves “am I doing what I am meant to be doing.” I felt that question in the center of my chest, a small whisper asking me if I really was doing what I was meant to, was I really challenging myself to be more, or was I settling for safe and comfortable. It was a moment that resonated because it reminded me of the power of asking the right questions.
In this week’s newsletter, I’d like to include some questions to ask yourself. All may not resonate with you, but maybe one will spark something, be it curiosity, or possibly discomfort:
Are you doing what you are meant to be doing?
Are you settling?
Are you able to be your authentic self?
Do you make decisions based on what is expected of you?
What would you do if you could not fail?
Are you holding yourself back?
Do you hold back to make others feel good?
Do you know what you really want?
How much time do you spend doing what you love?
Do you use perfectionism as an excuse to not try new things?
What makes you tired and drains your energy?
Who are you mentoring?
Are you happy with how you are spending your time?
Do you let other people’s opinions define your success?
If tomorrow was your last day on earth how would you spend your time?
Pay attention to which of these questions affect you. Notice where you feel it in your body, and I highly suggest journaling what comes up for you. It’s easy to dismiss those small hits and keep moving, but once we start getting really honest with ourselves about what we want, who we are, and what we really care about then we really unlock our life. This is what leading in your life feels like. It’s spending the time, being intentional, and doing the hard work; the work that is thankless, often unnoticed, but is an investment in you.
It’s your life, I think you are worth it, do you?
Quote of the Week:
Ask for what you want in life, take risks, don’t be afraid of failure, you will never get what you want if you never try
Resources
Events
The 2022 Virtual California Conference for Women - March 2, 2022: Renew. Reconnect. Re-ignite. Inspiration, Motivation, and Connection
WORLD WOMAN HOUR : 60 Women : 60 Stories : 60 Minutes - March 8, 2022: 60 women x 60 x stories x 60 ways to lead a socially powered movement to inspire one million women and girls to follow their dreams and ambition.
Camp Victore - April 2022: an all-inclusive, intimate in-person workshop, salon, creative bootcamp, exclusive retreat, and wholly transformational ass-kicking experience that is designed to take you to the next level in your life and business.
Learning to Lead LIVE
Learning to Lead will return on Saturday, February 26 @ 9:30 am PST. The topic will be announced on Wednesday (February 23) so be sure to subscribe!
Networking & Job Openings
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