HOW LEADERS DEFEAT DISCOURAGEMENT

You need encouragement because discouragement is real.

How leaders defeat discouragement:

#1. Embrace the three unglamourous basics of success.

It might surprise you, but success begins with healthy food, restful sleep, and moderate exercise. They seem boring but they fuel the leader you hope to become.

“Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” Vince Lombardi

You limit your potential when you neglect the basics.

#2. Fill your day with brief endings.

Create an ending, before your next beginning. Take a micro-break to acknowledge progress.

Recognize what you’ve done before looking around for the next thing to do.

The day drains you when your rush from one task to the next. Acknowledge your work and then move forward.

#3. Let go of anger.

Prolonged anger grows into soul-sucking discouragement.

1. Shoot your inner control freak. 
2. Act on frustrations when they’re small. Explain what you want before getting angry that you don’t have it.
3. Make an action plan. If you don’t plan to do something, let it go. Gossip is discouraging.

#4. Encourage someone.

Your needs reveal what others may need. Quiet the voice that keeps whispering, “What about me?”

When you show up, ask, “What about them?”

Discouragement wins when you build walls, pull back, and think only of yourself.

#5. Find a point of clarity.

Persistent ambiguity and relentless confusion discourage the best of us.

1. Solve a small challenge.
2. Reconnect with purpose. What’s your big WHY?

People who lose sight of purpose lose vitality.

#6. Do your best to focus on things you do best.

Your inner critic is boldest when you feel weakest.

Weaknesses clamor for attention. “Look at me! Fix me!” But success is found in leveraging strengths.

#7. Learn something.

1. Read.
2. Listen to a podcast.
3. Ask, “What are you learning?”

“Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.” Dale Carnegie