Feel It Later. Lead It Now.

Author: Marvin V Acuna

2. Feel It Later. Lead It Now.

In the relentless pursuit of mastery, both physical and mental, there's a vital skill that often separates those who lead from those who follow: the ability to compartmentalize. It’s not just about managing emotions or tasks; it’s about strategic clarity that drives effective leadership. Here’s how adopting the "Feel It Later, Lead It Now" mindset can transform your leadership style and optimize your performance in both life and leadership.

The Power of Compartmentalization

Compartmentalization is a cognitive strategy that involves segregating different thoughts and emotions into separate mental ‘boxes,’ allowing us to process the present without past or future interference. It's like having a clean, organized locker where each item has its place; it helps prevent overwhelm and promotes focus.

• Immediate Clarity: By isolating distractions, you gain clarity in your decision-making processes.
• Enhanced Focus: This approach enhances your ability to concentrate on the task at hand, leading to better outcomes.
• Emotional Resilience: Enables you to handle emotional struggles in a timely, controlled manner.

Spartan warriors practiced a form of compartmentalization on the battlefield, focusing intensely on the fight and addressing emotions and physical strain only once the battle had concluded. The modern-day leader faces different battles but can benefit just as profoundly from this ancient skill.

Leading with Intentional Presence

Intentional presence is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Compartmentalization allows leaders to be fully present without their judgment clouded by unrelated issues, thus leading with clarity and decisiveness.

• A Focus on Now: By adopting a ‘Feel It Later’ attitude, leaders remain agile, making decisions based on the immediate data rather than being hindered by emotion-laden retrospection or fears of speculation.
• Emotional Intelligence: Being present enhances your emotional intelligence, a crucial aspect of leadership that involves understanding and managing your emotions and those of others around you.

A leader who can manage their emotional responses and focus strategically on the current situation inspires confidence and trust. It's about showing up fully, every time, while safeguarding your mental and emotional energy for when it's needed most.

The Intersection of Physical Mastery and Mental Clarity

The mantra "Change Your Body. Lead Your Life." supports the notion that physical and mental mastery are deeply interconnected. When you train your body, you inherently train your mind.

• Boosted Discipline: Consistent physical training demands discipline, a trait that builds mental resilience and clarity, essential for compartmentalization.
• Improved Mood and Cognition: Physical activity increases endorphins, reduces stress, and enhances brain function, laying the groundwork for sharper decision-making processes.
• Synergistic Leadership: When you approach leadership with the discipline of an athlete, you not only manage your own body’s energy effectively but also harness that internal power in guiding others.

Julia, a corporate leader, shared her transformation: “When I started prioritizing my physical health, everything started falling into place. I was more focused at work, better at managing stress, and my team recognized my improved attentiveness and clarity. This change in my physical state directly influenced my leadership effectiveness.”

Strategic Compartmentalization: A Practical Guide

To master compartmentalization, start with these practical strategies:

1. Define Boundaries: Clearly delineate the various roles you play and the tasks you undertake. Create mental ‘doors’ that you can open and close as necessary.

2. Reflect and Release: At the end of each day, reflect on your experiences and emotions. Write them down if needed, then consciously set them aside until you're prepared to revisit them.

3. Physical Anchoring Techniques: Use physical activities, such as a quick workout or meditation, to anchor yourself in the present before starting or ending any major task.

4. Mindfulness Practices: Integrate daily mindfulness exercises that enhance your ability to stay present and manage intrusive thoughts effectively.

5. Prioritize Self-Care: Maintaining your body ensures you have the capacity to perform mentally demanding tasks with clear and calm focus.

Leadership Redefined

The essence of leadership in today’s world is not just in making decisions but making the right decisions for the right reasons, at the right time. By mastering the art of compartmentalization, you are not suppressing emotions; you are optimizing when and how you choose to experience them.

Remember, leading is about action now and addressing emotion and experience at a point of reflection that serves growth and progression for you and your team. This dual approach ensures that you are not only leading effectively but are also nurturing an environment where your decisions contribute to a broader vision.

Conclusion

The path to exceptional leadership is paved with moments of strategic clarity and presence. The balance of knowing when to feel and when to lead defines the leaders who not only make an impact but also inspire profound change in the lives of others.

Embrace the discipline of "Feel It Later, Lead It Now," and witness how this powerful mindset transforms not just your leadership style, but your life as a whole. Remember, at its core, leadership is about change—not only changing others but finding the courage to reshape yourself first. As you evolve, you become a beacon of inspiration and perseverance for others on their journeys.

Change your body. Lead your life.