Is Your Core in SUPer Shape?

As you “S.E.T. Your Path,” the first element—Strengthen Your Core (“S”)—is about what’s available to you as a leader from within. Leaders have so much available to them externally. And it’s just as important to look inside. An example might help.

Ever try stand-up paddle-board or SUP? Imagine you’re a SUPer. You have equipment, the board and a paddle. You have resources, the water. You may have skill or at least take a lesson on how to stay balanced, what to do if you fall off, etc.

You get out there. You start out on your knees, paddling with your arms. It’s a blast! You stand up and notice things get a little shaky. Your board continues to wobble, you can’t seem to keep your balance. You suddenly remember: Paddling is best done with my CORE. Sounds weird, right?! Yet it works!

A strong core is a must to get the most out of your experience. Your core provides a base for stability as you navigate the water. In leadership, your “core” means knowing your strengths, living your values, operating by intentional choice…and so much more.

You set out for success…on the water, on the job, anywhere in your life. And then sometimes you fall. Even the most experienced SUPers fall and know this is a part of the experience. Paddle boards are big and can hurt when they hit you—sticking your neck out as a leader and “falling” can hurt even worse…inside.

What is important is HOW you fall. Practicing “falls” in leadership requires graceful recovery and self-kindness…perhaps you’re not good at something you think you should be, agree to something you don’t want, or react unintentionally. Falls like these—notice I didn’t say fails—are normal for growth. In fact, eliminating the word “fail” from your vocabulary could help build leadership confidence.

Remember, you’re always attached with your SUPer “leash” and it won’t go away…as a leader, your skills, convictions, thoughtfulness…and so on. YOU have a lot of resources…especially on the inside.

In our next post, we go in-depth on a key way to strengthen your core as a leader. In the meantime, give these SUPer Tips a try:

• S: Stay focused on what’s important to you (your values)
• U: Understand what you’re good at (your strengths)
• P: Practice your falls…and get right back up (your confidence)