The Opportunity Behind Our Sabbatical Not Going to Plan
Aug 3, 2021
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Joel Miller, Chief Product Officer at Michael Hyatt & Company, shares personal insights on navigating unexpected challenges during a poorly planned sabbatical. He discusses a severe health scare that shifted their journey, emphasizing how the stories we tell ourselves influence our experiences. Joel connects mindfulness practices to leadership and resilience, highlighting the importance of prioritizing personal health. He ultimately stresses that embracing adversity can lead to significant personal growth and empathy.
The episode emphasizes the significance of personal narrative, suggesting that the stories we tell ourselves shape our emotional outcomes during unexpected crises.
It highlights the importance of proactive health management and mindfulness practices, which can improve resilience and decision-making in challenging situations.
Deep dives
Unexpected Health Crisis
The episode recounts a sudden and alarming health event where the host experienced chest pain during a meeting, initially dismissing it as anxiety or a muscle spasm. Despite being physically active and healthy, the situation escalated quickly, leading to a trip to the emergency room where she was diagnosed with a rare type of heart attack known as SCAD, which primarily affects women. This diagnosis came as a shock not only due to her age but also because she had no typical risk factors, leading to a reflective discussion on the unpredictable nature of health and life. The timely intervention and thorough medical care were highlighted as crucial, especially considering the potential difficulties of receiving adequate care had she been in a more remote location.
Lessons from Crisis
A significant theme discussed is the importance of maintaining a proactive approach to health, emphasizing that people often feel invincible until faced with a crisis. The host shares her relief at having prioritized fitness and health beforehand, which likely contributed to her positive recovery trajectory. This experience serves as a poignant reminder to invest in health and wellness before emergencies occur, positioning oneself to better handle unexpected situations. The conversation suggests that being prepared may enhance one's ability to cope with sudden health challenges and potentially improve outcomes.
Mindfulness and Leadership
In the aftermath of her health scare, the host explores the benefits of mindfulness and emotional regulation as strategies for both personal recovery and effective leadership. Joining a mindfulness-based program, she aims to enhance her emotional intelligence, which she recognizes as vital for high-pressure leadership situations. This reflection connects self-care practices to better decision-making under stress, highlighting a profound link between personal health and professional effectiveness. The importance of emotional resilience in navigating life's challenges is underscored as a valuable skill for leaders.
Reframing the Narrative
Throughout the episode, there is a strong emphasis on the power of personal narrative and how framing experiences can impact emotional outcomes. The host discusses the importance of creating meaning from life events, choosing to view her health scare as an opportunity for growth instead of a negative trajectory. This perspective not only fosters resilience but also enables a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life, driving a commitment to health and wellness. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to recognize their own control over narratives, shaping how they respond to adversities.
You are meticulous about preparation. You make all the lists and plan all the details, but sometimes things happen that are outside of your control. It’s disorienting and confusing. What are you supposed to do then? How do you recover and keep going?
In this episode, Megan and Joel, her husband and Chief Product Officer at Michael Hyatt & Company, share the story of a sabbatical that wasn’t quite what they had planned. They offer up the lessons they learned and the importance of choosing what story you put around these experiences so that, when the boulder comes, you can do something with it and continue on.
In this episode, you’ll discover—
What happens is less significant than the stories you tell yourself about what happens
How to metabolize unexpected change and continue forward
Why setting yourself up well leads to better outcomes when the unexpected occurs
This episode of Lead To Win is brought to you by our free guide, Shave 10 Hours Off Your Workweek. In this in-depth, action-focused guide, you'll discover why it feels like you don't have enough time, and how to reclaim 10-hours each week. Get your free guide today at leadto.win/shave.
