M = f(m): The equation 52% of Fortune 500 CEOs use daily

THE ART & SCIENCE OF LEADING SELF
The Role of Mindfulness 🧘🏽‍♀️

My friend, when someone tells me they want to work on their Mindset, they generally quickly pivot to what's the best way to do that.

My answer never changes. I always recommend that you start by committing to a contemplative practice. Pick one (there are many) that resonates most for you (meditation, tai chi, yoga, contemplative prayer, breathwork, journaling, etc.) and get started - you’ll be surprised what you will learn.

Some people immediately press me to find out what hacks they can use to get to their "Mindset destination" faster.

I understand this perspective because I used to think the same way.

That's why I feel uniquely poised to deliver this message today. In short, Mindfulness is the space in which all Mindset work takes place. You cannot develop your Mindset without cultivating Mindfulness.

Mindset Work Is A Function of Mindfulness

If we were to represent it as a mathematical function it might look something like this:

M = f(m)

Where:

M = Mindset work
f = function
m = Mindfulness (the space)

Translation: Mindset work is a function of Mindfulness.

But don’t worry. We’re not going to get mathematical today. We’re going to get super practical.

Rather than talk theory, let me share a story that illustrates this principle.

Meditation Station: Next Stop, Frustration 😱

The first time I took a Mindfulness class was in 2014.

I enrolled because I thought it would help me continue to grow as an executive coach. Having recently completed the Georgetown Leadership Coaching Program, I knew Mindfulness was important. But I still had no idea what it was or how to practice it.

I entered the class applying the conventional metrics for development that had made me successful at West Point and throughout my Army career.

I had a clear idea of how I defined success (think: Zen master), and I carried that into every class that I attended.

The teacher told us to just observe our thoughts with non-judgment. I thought she was crazy. I had been judged in every domain of my professional life from the time that I was 18 years old.

What good would it do to abandon that now?

So, I fought with myself during Every. Single. Class.

I worked to stop thoughts from entering my mind. When they undoubtedly entered, I worked to drive them out. When that brought more thoughts, I kept fighting as discouragement crept in.

At the conclusion of every class, some people gathered around the teacher to ask questions about their experiences.

I could typically be observed angrily rolling up my yoga mat 🤣 and returning my meditation cushion to the corner of the classroom.

I missed the entire meaning of Mindfulness. 🤷🏽‍♀️

I didn't understand that it was not a competition to be won. It was not a destination to reach and victoriously plant my flag. It was about being in the present moment and observing my thoughts without judgment.

I struggled with this new construct because it defied the norms of productivity and success that had been the standards of my professional socialization.

Practicing mindfulness meditation during that class felt like a slow torture.

The Building Blocks of Mindfulness 🧱

Today’s email is the first of several that will dive into Mindfulness.

Why? Because it truly is the space in which all Mindset work occurs. And it is the foundation for developing greater leadership capacity in Courage, Resilience, and Innovation.

Developing your Mindset, Courage, Resilience, and Innovation is the key to:

• Skillfully navigating uncertainty

• Leading confidently

• Driving results

Your ability to meet the moment in the 3 ways above begins with Mindset.

Think about the story I just shared. My attempt at Mindfulness in 2014 revealed several aspects of my Mindset. Rather than list takeaways for you, please cast your vote in the poll to let me know if you can identify 1 of them.

Knowing what resonated with you will help me tease out the thread for next week’s email.

We’re building this one block-by-block. 😊

Thank you for reading today’s email! 🙏🏽

Please also take 2 sec to answer the 1-click poll below. 👇🏽 Your feedback helps me ensure the weekly topics deliver value.

Finally, if you have a question about anything in this email, just hit “reply” and ask it. I read all of your emails and will get back to you.

EXCELLENCE UNBOUNDED
How I Can Help You

🚀 CEO Coaching Programs: Are you a CEO who wants to:

• Skillfully navigate uncertainty 

• Lead confidently

• Drive results

Developing greater leadership capacity in 4 key domains (Mindset, Courage, Resilience, & Innovation) will empower you to do all three.

Book time to learn about the bespoke 1:1 coaching programs I deliver. During this call, we will talk about your challenges, your goals, and how we might partner to fully “unbound your excellence.”

🎤 Speaking Engagements: My mom can attest to the fact that I LOVE to talk. 😂 Now, I put that talent to work delivering talks on Mindset, Courage, Resilience, & Innovation.

A few past clients include KraftHeinz, Amazon Women @ Payments, PAHEi, & the Panamá Chapter of the International Coaching Federation (I delivered this talk in Spanish).

If you are interested in having me speak at your event, please fill out this form.

Until next Sunday,

Shawnette