Break a Leg - Leadership Lessons Learned
By Robin Mladinich, Founder and Executive Coach
December 14, 2021
“Break a leg!” is an idiom often used to wish a performer success right before they go on stage. I took the term a little too literally when I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey less than two months ago. Between wrappingup my job at GSU and starting my coaching practice, Inspire 2 Impact – i2i Leadership Group, I took a girls’ trip to Maine to celebrate. On a hike in beautiful Acadia National Park, I managed to break not one but two bones in my left leg!
I wondered how I would manage my new business venture in this state of immobility. Why did this happen, and why now? Over the past six weeks, I’ve learned some valuable lessons from the experience. Here’s what I have learned:
Balance – I had to learn to not only balance on one leg but how to have work/life balance. I know many of you, like me, lost that balance as a result of the pandemic. Working from home, barely taking a few minutes for lunch, and being glued to a computer screen from early morning until late in the evening was my routine. I quickly realized I couldn’t do that anymore with a broken leg. So, I started making lunch dates. Friends would drop by with food or order in and visit. I made a point to reconnect with old friends that I hadn’t seen in years. I soon realized how much I had missed by not taking the time to occasionally disconnect from deadlines and reconnect with people -- having lunch, taking a break, and just being present.
Patience – The simplest task – like getting dressed – takes a LOT more time. I’ve had to learn to be patient with myself, slow down and focus. I haven’t been able to accomplish what I could before, and it is okay. I needed this time to take one step at a time. Not being able to get around very easily allowed me to be more focused on my business while also resting and recharging. In fact, I found that I actually accomplished more than I would have if I hadn’t broken my leg.
Gratitude – the tremendous amount of kindness and support I’ve received from family, friends, and colleagues has been overwhelming and wonderful. I really couldn’t have done it without all of the amazing and generous people in my life. I have a new appreciation for them and for my health! In the past, I spent so much time stressing out over things that don’t matter when you have your health. I realize how fortunate I am that I only broke my leg. It could have been so much worse.
In the new year, I plan to carry over and build upon the balance, patience, and gratitude I’ve discovered by being forced to slow down and reconnect. My next read is Mindset – The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. I am putting together a small discussion group with a series of 3 sessions beginning in February. Let me know if you are interested. Space is limited.
