Dangerous Leader: If not 100% ‘yes,’ then ‘no’

Have you read Greg McKeown’s “Essentialism?” You should. It has life-changing power. Well, perspective-changing, anyway.

I am not here to write you a book review, but I did want to center our thoughts on this line, “If it isn’t a hell yes, then it is a no.”

I don’t know about you, but this month has felt heavy. From swinging temperatures to football games, to moon phases and weird news everywhere you turn, it can feel hard to find a center in all of that. It can feel hard to understand the question you are being asked.

When life seems to be throwing balls at you from every direction, only to find you wearing boxing gloves, it’s time to find your center.

Leaders take care of a lot of people and can carry the tendency to say “hell, yes” to those they care for and not for themselves. As I call you out, I call me out, too.

This isn’t about getting all woo-woo and chanting to crystals. No need. And no judgment if that is your jam.

However, all you need is you and willingness.

Here are three ways to find your center so that you can find the hell yes in your life and work and continue to lead.

1. Use lists. Simple but effective. Moving the chaos of all the stuff and things flying at you onto paper allows you to see them. Seeing them makes them tangible items you can do something about. And then you pick the hell yes you need to attack. Most effective to stop chaos in the moment.

2. Say hell yes to where you are. Being where you are is one of the best things you can do. Just be there. Stop all the reflecting on the past and looking to the future. Take a look at where you are. Most effective when you feel like you are on a hamster wheel.

3. Tend to the basics. Say hell yes to sleep, nutrition and movement. Feed your mind and care for your soul. Don’t ignore the feed and fuel your systems need. Most effective, always.

Say Hell Yes to You. There isn’t a follower out there who doesn't expect their leader to do the best they can. And the truly dangerous leaders, the effective, smart, innovative ones? They say hell yes to that idea and don’t settle for less.

Lead Dangerously, Be You.

Jennifer Smith is a Cedar Rapids-based personal and executive coach, host of The Dangerous Leader Podcast, and unapologetic optimist; jennifer@dangerousleader.com; @drjennsmith