Reading this quote from Anais Nin created beautiful imagery:
” And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
In my experience of coaching many senior people aspiring to their penultimate career transition this is so true – it is time to break out and have the courage to be themselves. I recall one very senior existing leader describing himself as Mr Cellophane Man…….he had completely lost touch of who he was, what he stood for and how he wanted to be perceived in every role he undertook in life.
It takes great courage to discover who you are when you are being at your best and even more courage to stay true to this.
Many leaders keep their facades in place for far too long, losing their way or creating such tension in their lives that yes it becomes more painful to remain tight in the bud!
Taking the risk to blossom relieves the tension and empowers you to walk toward your future with passion and energy. Courageous leaders experience this because they discover themselves and importantly stay true to themselves.
