What is your why? Why do you do what you do, day in and day out? How does what you do align with your values? How much energy does it give you, how much joy?
One of my clients just landed a new job that aligns with her values and taps into her superpowers. It’s wonderful to see. Another really enjoys her work, but the culture has shifted, and she is struggling. Her why hasn’t changed. She has committed to making some changes to adjust to the new culture. “Kris” wisely realizes she can’t change her new boss, and yes, knows that she can change herself as she works through her new reality.
Worth the share
I was troubled and exhilarated to read a preview of a new book, THE MEANING OF YOUR LIFE: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness by Arthur C. Brooks. Publishing on March 31, the book will surely resonate with millions of readers, especially those in the younger generations who are struggling with anxiety and depression.
Arthur Brooks is a prolific author who has studied happiness as a college professor of leadership and management at Harvard and other schools. Having worked as a college professor for most of his career, he was energized by working with “strivers”, students and young professionals who were “inspired by ideas, so purpose-driven, and so enthusiastic”. But after returning to the classroom after a ten-year hiatus, he noticed a big change. Students were significantly more anxious, depressed, and unhappy. We are in a full-on mental health crisis!
“One of the young strivers I talked to was telling me about his virtual job,
dating apps, social media friends, and video gaming. Then, out of the
blue, he said something fundamental. “I feel like I’m living in a simulation.”
Arthur Brooks digs into the neuroscience of the brain. He hypothesizes that while technology solves for boredom in the moment, it immerses us in our left brains, which are data-focused and practical, rather than our right brains, which are more lofty and ask why questions. Young people, because of the amount of time they spend in technology, “are stuck in a complicated simulation where there is a lot going on, but which is bereft of mystery and meaning.”
His solutions? Fall in love, search for God, serve others, find your passion, experience beauty, create, feel.
To learn more, order his new book, or check out Tim Ferris’s podcast interview with Arthur Brooks.
#wisewords
Leaders aren’t born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that’s the price we’ll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal.”
–Vince Lombardi
And Finally...
So, what is the opposite of “alpha leaders”? Leaders who lead humbly are the opposite of pride and arrogance. Rooted in self-awareness, humble leaders are open, admit when wrong, are other-focused, and are grateful.
Is having humility your superpower?
I have the privilege of coaching a few leaders who lead with humility and have strong, healthy, thriving organizations as a result. Here is my go-to article on Humility. Check it out to learn how you can become more humble.
Have a great week,
Mary Jo