As the world gently wakes, I enjoy a daily ritual that’s become my reset and restore moment.
Accompanied by the soft jingle of my dog Winston’s collar, we step into the quiet of the morning. The sky, of soft oranges and pinks (and often dark greys!), brings the promise of a new day. This is our time, a routine synced with the early bird song, setting a peaceful pace before the day’s inevitable ups and downs.
Some mornings though, the tranquillity is overshadowed by my internal chatter that often consumes my mind. Leading a business can be a solitary journey (even with an incredible team and my closest friend as a business partner) filled with constant, not-always-welcome, companionship of my thoughts. The worries about challenges, demands, and the endless ‘what ifs’ can drown out the serene morning soundtrack.
I’ve learned that my walk begins when I hear, notice, and appreciate the birdsong as it dances through the noise in my mind, signalling a mental shift beyond challenges and negative thoughts. This breakthrough marks the true start of the walk, a journey not just of distance but of finding peace, walking to quiet distractions, and rediscovering clarity. Throughout the walk, the noise of my chatter can drift back in and out, but I try to use the birdsong reminder to refocus on more positive things and snap out of any negative thoughts.
I’m very comfortable with my own company. Still, the life of a leader is often rather remote, a path where expressing your thoughts and feelings can be a complicated process fraught with issues, pitfalls and potential traps. In these early hours, I find an audience in nature, a listener in the open skies. As an alternative outlet, I also turn to creative activities, drawing and writing, which provide a judgment-free means of expression, quieten other thoughts, and make room for other positive connections.
Each morning, as I rediscover the birds’ melody and the mental reset it brings, I am reminded of the power of new beginnings and the hope of an unwritten day. It’s a journey of not just miles but moments of struggle, solitude, reflection, and hope, all accompanied by nature’s chorus, assuring me that I’m never truly walking alone.
Here are some of the things that help me navigate the complexities of leadership and maintain my wellbeing…
Embrace mindful moments
Practice mindfulness during morning walks. Let each step be a conscious effort to be present, pushing away daily clutter. This hones focus and decision-making.
Cultivate creative resilience
Use the tranquillity of the morning to reflect on creative solutions. Creativity isn’t just for problem-solving but is a resilient force through challenges.
Prioritise emotional wellbeing
Use walks to check in with your emotional state. Recognising and addressing emotions like stress or anxiety is crucial for mental health (and maybe even business success).
Build a community of support
Though leadership can feel isolating, remember you’re not alone. Join or form a network of fellow leaders. Sharing experiences and insights can offer new perspectives or the encouragement needed to persevere.
Integrate physical and mental fitness
During walks, incorporate techniques like deep breathing or mindful observation (notice the world around you) to enhance mental and physical wellbeing.
Leading is challenging, pulling you in different directions. But it can also be the most rewarding experience and privilege. Seeing others thrive and grow is incredible. Having a positive impact is the aspiration we all should try to reach for. So, finding and sticking to wellbeing strategies and practises is essential to sustain the leader you aspire to be.
By Alan Oram for Alive!