Your job as a leader is to do more than survive each day.

Your job as a leader is to do more than survive each day. I know, that sounds crazy. You're probably saying, Kathy, my only goal is to get through today! My guess is you get up many mornings and say a little prayer: "God, just get me through this day, this meeting, this trip...."

You were not meant just to survive leadership and life. You ARE meant to thrive! ​

Yes, some days will be tough, in fact, many days will be difficult, stressful and downright ugly! I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but that's part of life. Struggle, suffering and stress will never go away. What you can change, is how you interact with struggle, suffering and stress.

We need to relax, renew and recharge
See, here's the thing. Good times, easy days and carefree moments don't develop you. The relax, renew and recharge you. They are necessary, but they don't develop you. We need to grow and develop:Think of a diamond. It comes into being because of the pressure it experiences.The same is true with a pearl. It is the constant friction that polishes it. The pressure you are under, the constant friction you experience, is what is creating you...your character.

We need to focus on who we are and who we are becoming:
It is how you choose to respond (not react) to struggle, suffering and stress that creates both:

• The type of woman you are and the impact you have
• The kind of woman you are becoming and the legacy you will leave

It's all about ....growing your character
When you move into thriving, you are consciously developing (rather than leaving it up to chance) your character. Character development (yours) is the subject of the book I am working on. This quick overview of the book will give you a head start on developing your character.

What is character?
The unique combination of your qualities, values and traits that make you, you.

 Why is character important? 
When you are aligned with those unique qualities, you feel good and do great work. When you don't, you feel crappy, and work becomes hard.

Why we struggle to lead with our strong character traits:

• First, because we've never taken the time to get to know ourselves really.
• Second, because what we see about ourselves we don't always like or think is helpful, useful or right, so we push away from it looking to find a better way.
• Third, because we tend to avoid inner work, reflective processes and anything that might take us out of our comfort zone.

​
How is character developed?
By identifying who you are and who you are becoming and then spending a lifetime accepting that and cultivating that.

• Initially, it is about becoming aware of your values, ethics, morales, skills, talents, and traits and learning to live in alignment with them, so you feel matched with who you are rather than continually being "out of character."
• Then, it is about looking at the impact you want to have on others and the difference you want to make in the world. That vision helps you to determine what parts of your current character will help you do that. It will also identify new or different character traits, values, ethics and morals you will need to strengthen, grow or develop.

Steps for developing your character.

1. Increase your awareness of the language of character development.
   
2. Get to know yourself
   
   1. Your character strengths.
      
   2. Your values, ethics and morals.
      
   3. Your vision for impact and legacy in your family, organization and community.
      
3. Create a plan
   
   1. Find mentors, role models, teachers and supports.
   2. Build a system of ongoing reflection, feedback, practice and then more reflection, feedback and practice.

You don't have just to survive every day my dear! You can thrive in both your leadership and your life! You get to choose! What choice do you make today? If you want to discover how other women are doing this, listen into this video series about cultivating your character. 6 women, talk about what it's like to cultivate character as a woman leader. You'll find so much value and practical advice. Tune in here the Cultivating Your Character Video Series