Sometimes, I just want to quit.
Throw in the towel.
Walk away from the burden of leading.
And hide under a rock.
Where no one can find me.
No more questions.
No more “gotta minutes?”
No more decisions to make.
Have you been there? I know I’m not the only leader who thinks this. But leaders don’t quit. We just don’t. Even when we want to, when everything and everyone is against us, we don’t quit. That’s what makes us leaders.
When we go to work, it’s not because someone makes us. We go because we go.
When we quit for the day, we may leave the office, but the office does not leave us. We take it with us; in our thoughts and emotions. Quitting is not an option.
Leaders lead. Always.
But we do need rest. We need to rest to avoid burnout. To avoid mediocrity.
We do need time to step back, reevaluate, and look at the big picture before moving forward. Rest helps replenish the soul, mind, and body.
But it’s not always easy.
Today I wanted to play golf in the afternoon. The club where I belong had a special event so I couldn’t go there. I called two other courses and nothing fit into my schedule. Everything in me wanted to be golfing right now. Instead, I sit here writing. Right where I need to be.
I’m resting and I’m moving forward. Leading myself first in this quiet place where I can write so I can lead others around me when I return.
Why?
Because even though I wanted to quit today and even sought ways to do it, when it comes down to it, I don’t quit.
Leaders don’t quit.
Photo by Jeremy Lapak on Unsplash
