I have a client that is a great strategic thinker. He can think about his company and illustrate a number of “what if” scenerios in his mind, pick the most likely one, and develop a plan of action that both mitigates risk and moves the team ahead. His mind is one of his greatest assets at work.
Not so much at home.
At home, this same mind “what ifs” the personal future and instead of developing a plan of action, it stops. The risks seem insurmoutable. The costs out-weigh the benefits, in fact, the benefits can’t be found. This is what we call “catostrophizing.” The future isn’t just bleak, it’s not changing, it’s perpetual, and he’s personally to blame.
Strategic thinkers are often wired this way. They have been paid handsomely to think early and often about the future and plan away with alternatives that mitigate and move. Then they go home.
Work problems “feel” like ones where they have control, home problems, not so much. Quickly the brain catostrophises and loses hope. This is one of the big “whys” behind why many CEO’s spend so many hours at their work. It’s not just that they have so much to do, that they do. It’s also that they take their same thinking home and all that is wanted, by that audience, is their presence.
Slow down and reflect.
Do you need to think more strategically about your future?
Do you need to practice being more present?
Are you building your discipline to build both abilities, and the wisdom to know when?
Tell me more, my friend.
Tell me more…
BUILT TO LEAD 