Success in leadership and business. What does it actually look like? And what’s the key to achieving it?
As leaders or entrepreneurs, we’re constantly seeking strategies to enhance our productivity, innovation and satisfaction, both in our personal and professional lives. We commonly believe that working ourselves into the ground and forging ahead no matter what hits us will get us there.
But what if there was a better, more holistic way to not only achieve success, but define it? I had the pleasure of exploring this idea with Repa Patel, a leadership expert who blends neuroscience, positive psychology and mindfulness to create impactful change.
In our conversation, Repa reveals why starting with purpose or even starting with your ‘why’ isn’t enough to drive true success. Together, we explore the deeper framework for unlocking joy and fulfillment – one that combines purpose, prosperity, pleasure and freedom.
Repa also challenges the myth of resilience, showing why trying to be the rock in tough times can actually hold you back, and how becoming the river helps you adapt and thrive.
She shares a powerful exercise to reflect more deeply on how we move through the world, to unlock meaningful change in our lives and our leadership.
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with intention and create lasting impact and legacy.
Purpose: More Than Just a Starting Point
Contrary to popular belief that purpose is the holy grail for success, Repa argues it’s merely the beginning of a fulfilling journey. According to her, purpose is about discovering your work in this world, free from the attachment to results. Understanding what sets our hearts on fire and where our work positively impacts others is the foundation of real success. Repa’s reflection frames this as “Dharma,” which translates to performing our duties with passion and integrity.
Prosperity: Beyond Monetary Success
Prosperity often creates images of financial gain, but Repa expands this into a broader spectrum. Prosperity is about creating value that encompasses more than just financial success. It’s about achieving success effortlessly by leaning into our strengths and recognising the value we offer others. When we resonate with our Dharma, prosperity follows as a natural consequence rather than the primary pursuit.
Pleasure: The Joy of Living
Living life how it’s meant to be—full of joy. Repa stresses that pleasure isn’t found solely in our work but in the nuances of daily life. The enduring joy that arises from alignment with our Dharma feeds into our professional endeavours, enhancing creativity and satisfaction. By prioritising pleasure, we create balance, preventing burnout and promoting sustained success.
Freedom: The Art of Reflection
Freedom, as Repa describes, is often misunderstood. It’s not about becoming free of something; it’s about the freedom to make choices and to be intentional in how we live. Reflection is the key to this freedom. Creating space for reflection enables us to break free from the constraints of routine and reactivate innovation. It’s about stepping back to reassess our actions and embrace growth, both individually and within teams. Repa shares a simple weekly reflection practice that focuses beyond outcomes, encouraging introspection on who we are becoming. This reflection primes us for intentional change, honing our leadership and decision-making skills.
The Trap of Toxic Resilience
In our conversation, we touch on the concept of toxic resilience—a phenomenon where the incessant drive to push through challenges at all costs becomes detrimental. While toughness and perseverance are often lauded in leadership, this relentless pursuit can lead to severe burnout and exhaustion. Repa advocates for the ability to be adaptive and flow with circumstances instead of rigidly resisting them. Adapting means acknowledging what we cannot control and focusing energies on areas we can influence, preventing ourselves from becoming eroded by incessant pressures.
As we strive to lead with intention, Repa’s wisdom provides a roadmap not just for achieving success, but for crafting a meaningful life rich with impact.
Embrace the journey of self-discovery and leadership with these four pillars of success, and remember, while we may not control the external environment, we always have the power to change ourselves. This is where true transformation begins.
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Connect with Repa:
Website: https://leadingmindfully.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/repapatel
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