Back in 2012, I stood on the edge of a bungee jump platform, 43 meters above the ground. My legs were shaking, my heart was pounding, and every part of me wanted to step back. But then I took a deep breath, looked out at the horizon, and took the leap. The moment I jumped, all that fear turned into pure exhilaration. It was a huge lesson in growth, that sometimes, the biggest moments of change come from facing what scares us the most.
That experience taught me something I’ve carried into both my personal life and my work: how powerful the right mindset can be, especially when it comes to leadership. As we move into 2025, I want to share how adopting a resilient, grounded mindset can help with navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.
Leadership and Taking the Leap
Standing on that platform felt a lot like the decisions leaders face every day. It wasn’t about fear of heights; it was about trusting myself to take that leap into the unknown. And, like those big decisions you face in your leadership role, it often feels scary. Will it work? What if it doesn’t? Can I really do this?
In leadership, especially in fast-moving businesses, it’s not about eliminating fear, it’s about moving forward even when you’re uncertain. The key is trusting your instincts, your preparation, and, just as importantly, your team. It's not about being fearless, but allowing yourself to be vulnerable, facing the fear head-on and doing it anyway.
Building Resilience: The Secret to Leadership Success
Resilience isn’t something we’re born with. It’s a skill we learn and grow over time. As a leader, there are times when you will need to make tough decisions and let's not forget the pressure to perform, all of this makes it essential that you have resilience to fall back on.
So, how do we build resilience? Here are a few things that have worked for me:
- Change How You See Challenges: Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” try asking, “What can I learn from this?” That shift in thinking can transform challenges, help you gain clarity and feel more in control.
- Slowing Down To Speed Up: We’re all guilty of running from one thing to the next, but any successful leader knows the importance of slowing down to speed up. Making time to reflect, whether it’s through journaling, a walk, or just sitting quietly for a few minutes, all helps us make better decisions.
- Take Time to Recharge: It’s easy to think that being resilient means pushing through nonstop. But true resilience comes from knowing when to step back and recharge. Prioritising sleep, downtime, and things that bring you joy is essential for long-term success.
Breathwork: A Simple Way to Find Calm
If you’re feeling like stress and pressure are starting to get the best of you, here’s something I’ve started using with the leaders I work with, and it's made all the difference. It’s called breathwork.
It might sound simple, but honestly, it’s one of the most effective ways to calm yourself in moments of anxiety or stress.
Here’s a quick exercise you can try next time you feel overwhelmed:
- Find a Quiet Spot: Sit or stand comfortably.
- Inhale for Four Seconds: Breathe in deeply through your nose.
- Hold for Two Seconds: Pause and feel the air in your lungs.
- Exhale for Four Seconds: Slowly breathe out through your nose.
- Hold for Two Seconds: Pause and feel the air in your lungs.
- Repeat for a Few Minutes: Let your mind settle and notice how much calmer you feel.
It’s a small practice, but it can make a huge difference, especially before an important meeting or big decision.
Ready for 2025? Embrace a Growth Mindset
So, take a moment to think about your mindset. Are you standing on the edge, hesitating, or are you ready to leap into the unknown?
Here are a few ways you can set yourself up for success in the year ahead:
- Set Bold Goals: Think about something that excites you and scares you at the same time. Whether it’s leading a new initiative, growing your team, or making a tough call, push yourself to aim higher and take that leap.
- Embrace Vulnerability: As a leader, you don’t have to have everything figured out. It’s okay to be vulnerable, to share the tough moments, and to show that you’re learning and growing too. It builds trust and helps others feel more connected to you.
- Keep Learning and Growing: The world around us is changing fast, and so how do you keep your curiosity alive? Whether it’s reading, taking a course, or talking to people who challenge your thinking, make sure you’re always learning and evolving.
Let’s Take the Leap Together
Mindset is something we have to work on every day, not just once in a while. As you think about the year ahead, I’d love to help you build the resilience and mindset needed to not only tackle challenges but to lead with confidence and clarity.
If you’re ready to face 2025 with a renewed focus and energy, let’s work together. I’m here to support you in creating a mindset that helps you thrive, grow, and lead with purpose.
So, the real question is: Are you ready to take the leap into the year ahead?