How’s your inner compass working?
In last week’s message, I told you about Jesse, who said, “With my trusted inner compass, I’m never lost.” That doesn’t mean she knows all the answers, nor does it mean she doesn’t seek help. She’s developed this trust over time and knows to pay attention to it when her inner guide nudges her with questions like, “What’s unsettling about this direction? Is this in sync with my values? Who knows about this or something like it and could provide insight or a different perspective? What can I research?”
Instead of just plowing forward, she reflects on what’s happened, what’s ahead and what could be. She finds reflecting is invaluable. Let me repeat that… reflecting is invaluable.
Jesse gives herself quiet time to think at night and in the morning. She considers different perspectives, weighs possibilities, checks in with what feels right, and makes decisions based on what she knows at the time. Sometimes she’ll write her thoughts at night and find them very helpful in the morning with a fresh look. When she has reflected, Jesse feels much more prepared for the day.
During the day, decisions are made at split-second speed, sometimes with a pause for thought, sometimes with a “let me get back with you on this” to let the situation percolate in her brain. She’s known for bucking the system to champion something she believes is the right thing to do. Her leadership is valued because she trusts her inner compass to point beyond the immediate to where it may lead down the road both for those involved and for the company.
Jesse has developed relationships with colleagues within her company and beyond who are her trusted “board of directors.” Their conversations are confidential, and they’re straight with each other. She really values that. She can be her raw, candid self with some of them when navigating through really sticky situations. She also has “deep-thinking” relationships with a few. (Who comes to mind for you for a deep-thinking relationship?)
She has learned over time that when she trusts her inner compass and takes a leap… a safety net does appear. It’s not just a slogan.
So, my questions for you are: How’s your inner compass working? Has it been spinning? Is it stuck in one direction? Or, are you so busy you haven’t even checked in with it lately? Who are your go-to confidantes?
Your compass is integrally tied to the quiet inner voice that doesn’t compete with the chatter in your head. It waits to be heard and, when listened to, will always steer you in the right direction.
