Written by: Traci Philips, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As we come into a new season and round out the first quarter of a New Year, our anticipation is fueled by the promise of renewed energy to propel our ideas, goals and intentions forward. In our eagerness to “get on with things,” we often neglect the significance of reflecting on where we've been and incorporating those experiences into our future plans. A crucial aspect of this process is responsibly tying up loose ends, letting go of past commitments and setting the stage to further develop our potential.
Letting go of the old and seizing the new involves proactive steps, and creating a plan, first, requires thoughtful consideration rather than immediate action. As we emerge from the past few months of categorizing, redefining and letting go of our past endeavors, it is essential to discern what needs closure and what should be carried forward. If you are still finding yourself feeling unprepared and a bit “behind,” now is the opportune time to finalize pending tasks and concentrate on completion. It is always harder to move forward when there is still unfinished business to wrap up. In truth, the impending surge of possibilities in the coming months demands that we elevate our efforts and strive for a higher level of functionality.
The initial step to approaching this effectively, as a leader, is to address what needs to be put to bed — unfinished decisions, pending communication, unresolved choices regarding projects, relationships and commitments. It also involves releasing outdated aspirations and eliminating unnecessary worries. Tackling these loose ends is pivotal to embracing the upcoming opportunities to create the necessary change we need. Procrastination could pose challenges once the momentum propelling projects forward gains its foothold.
As we have often heard, crafting a plan comes before action when desiring to properly lead anything forward. Well-thought-out strategy serves as a road map, providing clarity on the path ahead. Discipline and determination are key to remaining focused during this time. If overwhelmed, take measured steps to systematically complete work undone. Prioritize tasks, focusing on the most critical ones first. Coherence emerges as your plate is cleared, making it easier to identify the next steps. Patience is crucial; impatience hinders progress, as it creates resistance. If challenges arise, take a breath, regroup, seek assistance and then resume.
The second facet of creating a plan involves constructing a container for your ideas, intentions and goals for the rest of the year. Think of it as a personal garden where outdated elements are removed, and the ground is fertilized for new seeds. Spring is the opportune time to do this! Employ your imagination to explore potential objectives and aims that may have been lurking beneath the surface. Document them as a work in progress, subject to refinement. Cultivate courage and trust in your inner guidance and values as you navigate tying up loose ends and prepare to be seen, supported and positively challenged to grow beyond where you have envisioned you can go.
Key points of consideration:
Elevate your efforts and step into a position of power. Align your mindset, skill sets and actions.
Shed self-doubt, cultivate new courage and take responsibility for your actions.
Moving beyond where you have been will, most likely, involve committing to new practices, studies, habits or schedules. Prepare for this with resolve and determination.
Assess and eliminate energy leaks, distractions and unnecessary concerns. Stay in your own lane and ask and allow others to do the same.
Establish good boundaries around your time and efforts to enhance focus and organization.
In relationships, both professional and personal, pay heed to communication and the lessons learned from what is being concluded. Honor both the challenges and successes, letting go of what no longer serves your growth. Embrace a neutral perspective to facilitate closure and pave the way for the next steps.
Collectively, humanity faces the resurgence of deep-rooted patterns, at this time, requiring discipline to foster physical and emotional well-being. Evaluate personal beliefs, initiate new practices, and customize routines based on individual needs. Building inner strength through self-appreciation and reinforcing personal values is crucial for a robust foundation that will empower you to initiate your intentions when the time is right.
The theme of tying up loose ends is especially important to leadership and professional responsibilities at this time, marking a phase of reevaluation and necessary changes. There is no need to fear radical shifts if guided by insight and instincts, as this is a great time to include calculated risks in your plan. Projects and business ventures are dynamic, so allow for adjustments without compromising their foundations.
Embrace change as an ally by improving your physical environment. When what surrounds you properly supports you, there is little you cannot accomplish. Initiate spring cleaning: decluttering, reorganization and incorporate fresh ideas to create a space that inspires creativity. Approach your surroundings from a new perspective, envisioning a blank canvas that invites new possibilities. Remember, too, that choosing the right environment includes the people with whom you spend and invest your time. Be sure to align with what best supports you to be at your best here, as well.
Seize the winds of change to revitalize your environment, promote innovation and stimulate your creative instincts, and have a great season ahead!
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Traci Philips, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine As an Executive Leadership & Performance Strategist, Traci Philips supports visionary business owners and corporate executives to learn and practice better communication, resolution strategies, decision-making, and leading during times of change and when the stakes are high. A three-year stint co-facilitating a men's transformational program for industry leaders incarcerated in Federal Prison taught Traci more than she could ever have learned elsewhere about high-stakes leadership and the cost of bad decision-making. This experience fueled a passion in her to help top leaders learn what they needed to know so they wouldn't end up losing what matters most. Her ultimate goal is to support her clients to live authentically and lead powerfully by creating more awareness about who they are, how they want to be seen, and what legacy they want to leave behind. Traci is the co-host of Eavesdrop in the Moment, a bi-weekly podcast that discusses current trends and leadership. Her book, Looking In: Discover, Define and Align the True Value of Your Life, Leadership and Legacy is helping leaders around the globe increase their confidence and self-identity to meet leadership demands and their personal performance potential.
