Here in the Midwest, with our vast and beautiful fields, we experience some pretty hefty winds. Tornado-like conditions, and even tornadoes themselves, are not uncommon. For someone like me with naturally-wild hair, those winds can certainly contribute to some interesting styles!
But I am always amazed this time of year that while everything outside seems bare and exposed, I still see birds’ nests in the trees. Despite the gale force winds, heavy rains, blizzards, and countless other torrential conditions since their creation, those nests remain firm in their branches. They persevere amid storms that you’d think would take them down.
How?
As a non-bird myself, I can only guess. But clearly the birds take great care and intention in building those nests with a strong foundation. A nest isn’t created in one quick swoop but rather over time and with consistent, meaningful action. The birds work together, united in purpose, to establish something that matters and that will last. They may adjust course from time to time depending on conditions and unexpected barriers, but they hold the future vision high while taking action in the present moment.
As a writer and coach, I look for connections and love a good metaphor. And wow, do they abound in nature.
In your work, leadership, and life, you will endure storms. You will experience moments that leave you feeling shaky and uncertain. Unexpected challenges will pop up, barriers will appear out of nowhere, and a downpour might burst upon you before you feel ready for it.
And you will persevere.
How do I know? Well, for one thing, look at your track record. You’ve navigated every storm you’ve experienced thus far – every single one. And you’ve likely gained wisdom and learned lessons in the process.
Maybe you’re in the midst of such an experience at this very moment. If so, here are a few ideas to help you stay purposeful, positive, strong, and courageous:
1. Take a breath. Literally. You might not realize that you’ve been holding it.
2. Assess the situation. Where are things at right now? What are the actual facts of the moment? What did the situation/entity look like at its best? What does the ideal vision for the future look like?
3. Check in with your values. One of my core values, for example, is respect. I look at every situation through the lens of respect and can usually quickly identify where it’s missing, what’s happening as a result, and how I want to bring respect more fully into the experience.
4. Reach out. Despite what you might tell yourself (or have been told by others), very little in work, leadership, and life requires you to go it alone. Trusted friends, trained professionals, family, colleagues, communities…your network spans far and wide.
5. Create a plan and take action. Vision combined with strategy built around a strong purpose? An unstoppable combination. (Click here if you need some ideas for making a positive difference.)
6. Decide what you will contribute to the situation. Will you fuel the fire by spreading fear-based rumors, for example? Or will you choose to be part of the solution? Determine who and how you will be in the experience (a decision that is fully within your control) and how you can proceed with a thoughtful, purposeful, solution-oriented approach.
7. Keep an eagle’s eye view. Returning to lessons from our bird friends, periodically (dare I say, often) view your situation from a few thousand feet up. That one glitch that seemed so insurmountable might appear just a mere bump in the road when considered from a higher perspective.
8. Become informed – but not over-informed. It’s easy to get bogged down in details or sent in a frenzy due to too much, or inaccurate, information. Think of yourself as the architect and start with the foundation (i.e., the basement or framework), rather than overwhelming yourself with every single detail (i.e., what type of handles to put on the cabinets). Consider how this translates for you in terms of how much time you spend on social media, where you get your news, and so on.
Those birds’ nests out my window don’t cling anxiously to the trees when the wind blows, nor have I ever seen the birds trying to frantically hold the nests in place. Due to the thought, consideration, and strength put in early on – moment after moment, action upon purposeful action – their firm foundation supports them, come what may.
The same can hold for you.
At this moment – whether you’re celebrating a euphoric high, paddling through a raging storm, or any point in between – start from a foundation of meaning and purpose. Use my shirt (pictured here) as a reminder of how to engage: You can prompt change and growth – even on a global scale – with kindness, intelligence, and courage.
It’s never too late to build your own firm foundation in work, leadership, and life. Start (or keep) building today, right now, and move forward with the grace and strength that your vision, meaning, and purpose provide.
What helps you stay positive and purposeful in uncertain times? Share your thoughts below or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.