For many of you who work in sustainability, climate change, social change and similar fields, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report might have felt like a punch in the gut. It's negative news galore and even though that we all know the facts, it's stressful to see everything in one report that calls climate change clearly human-caused and "unequivocal".
Your sense of urgency might just have tripled. You know that there are many solutions available ...if only...
Staying too long in this space with all sorts of negative emotions will impact your potential to be an effective leader who creates positive impact. It's a deep, dark valley we all have to get through quickly. I'm a realistic optimist...there's a lot of light and positive stuff on the other side. Let's go.
Right now, it's time to act like a PRO: Pause, Reflect, Organise.
1. Pause:
Take a moment (or an hour or a day) to stop, breathe, do something that energises you. Resisting reality is energy draining. Refill your cup. Acknowledge whatever you are feeling. Become aware of any climate grief you might have. Find a way to accept the situation for now. The world needs you to be at your best.
2. Reflect:
Check in with your big WHY, your purpose. Most likely, you are already creating positive impact. How can you build on these small successes? Focus on what you can control, where you can increase your circle of influence and shield yourself from too much of the circle of concern negative news stuff (that's where you can't do anything right now anyway). How can you activate the best in others?
3. Organise:
Talk with your communities and colleagues. Share your feelings and what you are planning to focus on now. You don't have to do this alone. Let context and nature be your guide. If you need a sounding board or mentor, connect with me via email, phone or LinkedIn.
Keep calm and lead effectively.
Stay well.
Naturally yours,
Ingrid