Last week, I had the honor of being sandwiched between the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and a former Director of the CIA at the NJ Bankers Association Economic Forum, where I was speaking on Magnificent Leadership™.  I spent the night before coordinating with event planners, checking sound, lights, walking the stage.  The prior week, I was in NY on business, with client work and a tight turnaround between the two trips.

These are all things that I love and that feed me, literally and figuratively.  But as I returned home from NJ, I was wiped.  Flight delayed, I knew the creative energy and enthusiasm that I bring to my work was running low.

My default is to push through, to soldier on.

But all I really wanted to do was my laundry.

So I did.

And I caught up with friends over long conversations and laughter.

And I rested my running legs, even though it felt like they were itching to go for a spin.

And then, on the gloomy, rainy Sunday that followed, I jumped on the treadmill at the gym and cranked out a decent 7 mile training run.

With energy to spare.

And when Monday morning rolled around, I eagerly greeted an interview with Allison Hickey for The Making Magnificence Project®.  Allison is former Under Secretary for Benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs and has seen and led more change than most.

I’m here to say that despite having just stood on a stage talking about the three essential fuel cells that power and sustain Magnificent Leadership™, and despite telling an audience of 500 with all sincerity that it’s hard to inspire if we’re not inspired ourselves, it still took me a considered pause to step back from charging ahead.

To override my default setting.

You know one of the best things about my job?

I get to practice with you.

If you’re interested in changing some of your default settings, whether reactions, behaviors, or patterns, you can reach me at sarah@sarah-levitt.com to learn more about working with me directly.

And if you’re interested in having me speak at your conference about Magnificent Leadership™ and transforming challenge into something greater, you can contact me at sarah@sarah-levitt.com for booking information.

Wishing you a next week of inspiration, for yourself and those you lead.