Generally speaking the first quarter of this year has had a big focus around being still, slowing down and going within and reflecting. In short, this has allowed us time and space to plan the rest of the year in alignment and harmony to do our purpose work. This year’s mantra is more is less, cut out the noise and be in the present moment. Moving from dependency to empowerment!

Listen to the signs

As often is the case, when you don’t listen, the universe has a way to make you listen! I have spent the beginning of this year recovering and healing from a broken leg. This has given me the perfect opportunity to slow down, reflect and go within as I allowed my body to heal.

The inner work!

I spent the first few weeks very immobile and dependant on others and I must admit that as much I was grateful my confidence took a hit. This gave me more time and inner focus to look at why all these factors were triggering me? In the work I do I always tell my clients that when you feel vulnerable and fearful, it is time to do the shadow work and clear these fears. So here was the teacher being forced to take some of her own advice! Never an easy process but sticking with it is not only powerful but incredibly rewarding.

So, 8 weeks post operatively I had made huge progress however the closest I could get to my favourite place (the beach) was this beachside bench with my crutches in tow. Just getting to the beach and feeling the fresh salty air in my face and hearing the crashing sounds of the surf was healing for my soul. My mood shifted immediately and gave me a sense that I could achieve anything just by making the effort. Even though getting to the beach was a huge effort, it taught me several key lessons: –

1. One step at a time, keep moving forward no matter how tough the obstacle may seem
2. Don’t let your mind limit your potential just because your situation has changed and become more difficult
3. Never underestimate the power of self-responsibility and connecting with nature, it is more beneficial than a tonic in a bottle at times

Let go of resisting!

During this healing journey I reached out to people to help support me, as I climbed over my hurdles. At times these seemed insurmountable and the vulnerability kept showing up. However, we all kept going giving each other strength and wisdom along the way.

To ask and receive is a big lesson that does not come easily to many of us. Surrendering is one of the first steps in releasing old patterns, behaviours and ways of thinking that can hold us back. Keeping us stuck. The more you surrender, the more your focus turns to hope as you gain courage to seize opportunities and the impact from this is that it creates more space. Remember the saying, “out with the old and in with the new”?

“Nothing will work unless you do”

Maya Angelou

Create space!

Now reflecting on the past few months as I have healed, shed old ways of doing and created a space and a lighter energy to take me to the next level in my life and business. It seems like a similar process is taking place as the paradigm of leadership shifts in business and organisations.

My recovery took me from, moving from dependency to empowerment! Just like the current paradigm of leadership is being shaken and encouraged to shift away from a “dependency” style as leaders are being encouraged to empower their teams more.

Get to know yourself first then others!

So, what does that mean for leaders? Well, in a word the forward-thinking leaders will start to look at their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. To move through these effectively and successfully with the support of someone they trust. Research shows that senior leaders seek out mentors that they can relate to, someone who gives reliable feedback and who can share relevant stories that support their development positively. They found that obtaining a mentor who was a good match achieved great outcomes.

In essence, these relations require trust, confidentiality and being able to “think out of the box”. Blending and balancing the use of the left and right side of the brain sparks the creative juices. Leading to a different approach to leadership, a softer and more collaborative one that empowers others.

Take intentional action!

Astrologically, this week’s energy supports “taking intentional action”. Follow your dreams and do what ignites the fire within your belly. Surrender to the resistance you feel inside and own it. When you do this with a passion the way that you look at life shifts in an instant.

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs,

ask yourself what makes you come alive.

And then go and do that.

Because what the world needs

is people who are alive”.

Howard Thurman

Consider these 3 points to support you Moving from dependency to empowerment!

1. Set your clear boundaries as you set yourself up to shine
2. You can’t give from an empty cup, self-care and self-responsibility are paramount. Fill your cup first
3. Start using more of the right side of your brain, your creative side, pause, listen, lean-in and take intentional action as you become more visible

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts?

The post Moving from dependancy to empowerment! appeared first on Joan McEwan.

We are here in this life to be extraordinary humans, so why is it that many of us feel mediocre? Maybe it is partly due to feeling exhausted, self-sabotaging ourself, have a limiting belief system and being fearful of being judged or doubting our own abilities. So, if you can relate, how Is mediocre working for you?

The late Scottish philanthropic Andrew Carnegie said, “people who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents”.

Being in a state of exhaustion, fear and self-doubt will certainly limit the ability to be motivated and driven to pursue dreams and opportunities. Let go of mediocre and step into extraordinary by creating change.

I have just started watching a Netflix series called “Startup” and it reminded me of the pitfalls of being mediocre. You see the series is about two budding entrepreneurs who were struggling to get any openings to launch their new venture. However, they didn’t want to be mediocre, they had a vision, a plan to be extraordinary. Their path was not plain sailing. They were forced to look at opportunities that were out of their comfort zone to achieve their dreams. It involved getting into business with a corrupt FBI agent and a gang member.

The entrepreneurs, although highly educated and skilled in their craft had been struggling to share their genius with the world. Up to this point, life had just been difficult and mediocre. They struggled to get the motivation to see different options. That was until they met up with a gang member who encouraged them to change their messaging around how they viewed their venture.

Although their entrepreneurial journey was not smooth sailing or instant, this shift in mindset and messaging allowed them to shift gear. They became more motivated, driven, and excited about the opportunities that lay ahead. After they thought about why this venture was important to them, it gave them inspiration to push forward despite the barriers that they faced. Adding to the fact that they were confident that their product was a “game changer”.

Despite their difficulties and challenges, they no longer felt mediocre. So, how do you move from being mediocre to being extraordinary?

Quite often the first step is gaining awareness of your current situation. Clearly understanding your values and beliefs. Understanding where you are at and what is keeping you stuck in mediocre. Start to listen to the excuses you are making. Often someone on the outside can see the issue clearly and provide a different perspective. Enabling some clarity to emerge.

The next step is understanding what your “WHY” is, your purpose. What is that you do that lights you up? Then reflect and ask yourself what is keeping you stuck in mediocre? Has your job, career, life become comfortable? Is it an easy path? Is it that you are fearful of change? Scared that to make any changes would risk you loosing security or potentially be financially impacted?

Thirdly, consider the impact that being mediocre is having on you? Has your behaviour changed? Do friends comment on how you have lost your “spark”, not as much fun to be around? Have you become the “glass half empty” person? Always negative and struggle to see the positive in any situation. Science tells us that sitting with these lower vibrational emotions and feelings predisposes the body to dis-ease and dis-comfort. Then the body gets out of alignment and mediocre and unhappiness set in.

During October consider this:

1. Trust the journey you are on and let go of what is holding you back
2. Set your intentions with the new moon this week and take a leap of faith with your intuition, this month is providing opportunities for rapid expansion
3. Bring more fun and play into your life as you step up and be the guiding light

Look forward to hearing your thoughts?

The post How is mediocre working for you? appeared first on Joan McEwan.