July 12, 2023 5:25 am Published by

In the ever-changing landscape of life, one timeless piece of wisdom stands out for me today: no state of being is permanent – there is no need to react.  

As a person who happens to react before I think more than I’d like to, I consciously practice pausing before I react. At best, I find myself a plus minus at doing this well.  

Mindfulness practices help, yet I strive to be better.  

I’ve been fortunate to witness great examples of this behavior in leaders around me for the better part of my life; yet I find myself fighting my own default reactivity in contrast to the realization that everything is temporary, including us. 

As leaders, we often find ourselves facing daunting challenges and unexpected setbacks. In these moments, it is crucial to remember that change is the only constant.  

Instead of reacting impulsively or succumbing to the feeling in the moment, we learn to cultivate a mindset with patience, resilience, and flexibility. This is where I pause to remember that whatever is occurring is impermanent…reminding myself “this too shall pass.” 

When I’m successful, I’m able to maintain a calm demeanor, make more thoughtful decisions, and move more effectively through turbulent times.  

It is not the situation that defines us, but rather the ability to navigate it with grace and composure. 

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