The landscape of leadership is littered with the mentally burned out, relationally poor, and physically worn down. Being overworked, overcommitted, and running on empty is the norm. “After this next project, things will get better…” is the common refrain offered to family and colleagues who languish in the wake of an overachiever. The reality is that few leaders who live this way finish well.
A better way to live and lead exists. In our fast-paced, overstimulated society, it is the road less traveled. Like the Tortoise and the Hare, slow and steady wins the race every time. It takes a willingness to live against the current of mainstream busyness to get the reward of a life well lived.
Playing the long game is best described in this Chinese proverb, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” Wisdom understands that vision of a preferred future, like a tree, needs time to develop a grounded root system before it can grow high and wide. The long game mindset understands that clarity about people, purpose, and performance are essential for growth into full potential.
Design Your Life for the Long Game
Fortunately, we have role models, books, and even research that give guidance on living to finish well. Here are a few secret ingredients that have helped me the most.
Meaningful Relationships that Encourage and Compel you to grow.
We need people who see us as we are and see and believe in our unrealized potential. Encouragement and challenge are both crucial for growth. Leaders especially need trusted advisors who speak truthfully and directly.
Systems to Organize Life
When life is out of control or you have nothing left to give, systems can save the day. Simple daily, weekly, and monthly routines combat mental clutter and fatigue. Tasks done with systematic attention reap more time and freedom in the long run.
A Purpose/Calling
Those who identify a clear purpose with clarity about “why am I here” have a greater capacity to endure the highs and lows on the journey. Pursuing a noble cause for the benefit of others fuels the race more than chasing fame or fortune.
Continuous Learning and Personal Development
Leaders with a high degree of curiosity and humility stay in the game longer. These leaders are wise enough to know that they don’t know what they need to know, and this stimulates ongoing learning.
Personal Rest that Refreshes and Restores You
Living on less sleep than needed and not taking one day off a week will take a toll on you physically and mentally. Think of your computer if windows are never closed and it is never turned off. Malfunctions or crashes are inevitable. Turn off the work mode and get rest and replenishment with other hobbies and activities.
Core Values
Leaders who last embrace personal core values that shape their lives and work. If you don’t have your own core values defined, the secret ingredients above become a great starting point.
Teamwork
Work Smarter not Harder
Dream Big
Stay Sharp
Have Fun
Coaching Action Plan: Choose one area from above and take the next two weeks to introduce a daily long game strategy.