Well, while it;s fair to say that 2020 has been nothing like any of us anticipated, one of the gifts for many was finding ourselves with a little more time and space on our hands.

What was the favourite thing you created this year?

Well for me there were two things: The expanded vegetable patch to now include passionfruit, kiwi fruit and more silver beet and celery than the kids would ideally like; and, the writing of a little book about what I’ve discovered about self- leadership derived from over a decade of personal and professional learning and practice.

As it turns out – both creative projects continue to be works in progress – as I battle with the birds and the possums and slugs, while also enjoying the flowers on the strawberries and tomatoes in the vegetable patch; and, simultaneously re-shaping and renaming of my little book – thanks to a dear friend and colleague who helped me to see a better way forward. I am forever indebted to the creative process with its insights and blocks and lumps and bumps until clarity finally beckons!
I can’t wait to share my little book with you in 2021.

What is clear to you now?

One of the gifts that can also come from tough times, is that we get clearer on what matters to us most and if we listen to that we can make more conscious choices about where we want to put our precious time and energy. Does that resonate for you in any way from your experience of 2020?

During this year, for me, it became even more apparent that we all have a responsibility to listen to that little voice inside of us that is saying ‘something needs to change’; to explore and connect with self around this ‘invitation’; and to take conscious action. Rinse, repeat. This is the practice of self-leadership.

Some of what I have also ‘crystalized’ this year about self-leadership is that;

– We are responsible for our own evolution and growth. Period.

– Learning about ourselves and growing our effectiveness as leaders is a lifelong process that takes focus, commitment, and a clear intention.

– Unless we carve out space to do our own personal learning, life will continue to drive us rather than enabling us to shape our own reality.

Building on all of that, what is super clear to me now is that the number 1 focus of my work in 2021 is bringing The Practice of Self-Leadership to a wider audience. This is work that we all have to do – irrespective of whether we are in a leadership role or not.

The Practice of Self Leadership will be made available to a wider audience in 2021 through:

–          6-month individual coaching programs commencing in February 2021  (I’m opening up six new places only –  get in touch soon if one of those is for you),

–          Self as Leader – Leadership Development Program – (in house) Continuing to facilitate our 3-month core leadership program 

–          Self as Leader – Leadership Development Program – (public program) – Dates for 2021 will be posted soon (via remote learning)

The good thing is that it wherever you are in the country (or in the world) The Practice of Self-Leadership – individual coaching and leadership development program can come to you. Please get in touch to register your interest or to find out more.

A moment to pause…

Conscious leadership is not possible without carving out – literally quarantining space to reflect, reset and do our self-work and there is no better time to do this than at the end of this year of 2020! So grab a piece of paper (or audio or video record it on your phone if that’s your thing) and take a few moments to reflect on these questions:

Fill in the blank: This year, I feel proud of myself because ___________.

Which six ‘feeling’ words describe your experience of 2020?

What was the favourite thing you created this year? (a project, a fabulous meal, a garden, space for you….)

Can you remember a time in 2020 when you thought you couldn’t do something (“This is too hard, I’m overwhelmed, I can’t do this”), but then you surprised yourself and you did it?

What is something you want to leave behind in 2020 and not carry into 2021?

What’s your intention for the festive /holiday season?  (I wish to experience…….)

Take a big breath out …. you deserve it

A special thanks to the wonderful leaders I have had the privilege of supporting in 2020.  It’s been a massive year. To those of you in the world still in the thick of the pandemic sending love and healing to you.

To my fellow Victorians well done – we did it. Sending love and light for the festive season wherever you are.

See you in 2021.

With love

Nicola x