Make Smart Choices

As a mom of 3, I’ve said the words “make smart choices” what feels like a thousand times, and it’s good advice. Our lives are full of choices from what we have for breakfast each day to where we go to college, where we live, work, and play, how we spend our time, and everyday little choices that can make a big impact on our life. Some of our choices we think (or overthink) about, some not at all. The choices we make determine the lives we live.

As a leader you’ll make hundreds of decisions or choices- who to hire, what strategic direction to go to, to move or not move forward with something, to speak your truth. The most important choices you make will be about leading yourself. Choosing to be a positive influence, choosing how to show up, choosing to master your mindset, choosing to hold your tongue when you REALLY want to share your thoughts, choosing to say what needs to be said. Everything you do has an impact.

Given the sheer volume of choices we as humans make, how can we ensure (or at least have a better shot) that we make good choices? The good news is that in theory it’s pretty easy, but practice requires a little effort. Taking a beat and breathing or mindfulness practice helps me to slow down and be in the moment. Being mindful requires a couple of ingredients:

Presence - being focused, aware, and in the moment

Intention- consciously aligning thoughts, words, and behaviors

Like any other muscle, building these requires practice, but the payoff is pretty big. The life you live is a product of the choices you make, so make smart choices.