92 poop bag holders, 400 candy kisses, 85+ moms, 4 babies – talking with the three generations of moms, #priceless.
I had the opportunity to speak again this morning with a local group of moms. We talked about what happens when the bag breaks and its close cousin, Now You’ve Stepped in It, both chapters in my book, “The Art of Picking Up Dog Poop – Leading from the Middle”.
How we recover from “broken bag” situations is often more important than the situation itself.
Here are the four practical steps that can help when faced with the mess of the tough days:
1 – Walk away for a bit to get perspective
Most days, a “broken bag” is just a bump in the road that makes the day a little more humbling. “Either way, the bag breaks, and you hold it in as long as you can, then walk away for a bit to get perspective.”
2 – Share a well-timed encouraging word – talk with a trusted friend or mentor
“On those tough days, in those tough seasons, I’ve found it really helps to have a trusted friend or mentor in your corner for support. Ask that friend to go for coffee, a meal out, whatever works, and talk about it. Perhaps take the dogs for a long walk and enjoy their pure delight in life. Stepping out of the situation and taking breaks such as these, along with leaning on support from trusted friends and mentors, will give you the energy and perspective to move forward out of survival mode and into thriving mode.”
3 – Look for opportunities to celebrate successes
“Just like that new backyard or dog park that sparks pure joy in our pups, a well-timed encouraging word can last so much longer if we let it sink in. For years I’ve found it difficult to smile and say thank you when someone gives me positive feedback. As a leader, I’ve learned a new approach and look for opportunities to celebrate successes. Even someone else’s success. When we catch someone having a great day, authentic celebration and praise can go a long way and encourage you too.”
4 – Embrace the Both+And days
On the days when you’re torn between career paths or balancing the demands of work and life, embrace the Both+And. Embrace your unique skill set and throw away any guilt, feedback, or expectations that you have to do it all.
check out the reel: https://lnkd.in/eVMk83Uj