Sheryl Sandberg is currently advocating in her book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, that women should go towards opportunities. I agree that women shouldn’t hold themselves back, but I think that there are times when women should retreat.
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You see going full steam ahead without conscious thought, enough physical, spiritual or psychological resource, can be more damaging than doing nothing.
Have you ever?
- been up all night with poorly children and then had to work the next day
- had to deal with a family or relationship crisis while being all smiles at work
- felt unwell but afraid to take a day off
The fact is on days like those above, the answer is not to lean in, but retreat.
Think of it like a battle, when your soldiers are injured and depleted you don’t go into attack, do you?
The dictionary defines ‘retreat ‘as
*The act or process of withdrawing, especially from something hazardous, formidable, or unpleasant.
*A place affording peace, quiet, privacy, or security
*A period of seclusion, retirement, or solitude.
*Withdrawal of a military force from a dangerous position or from an enemy attack.
Sometimes you need to go back to go forward, so you at least have a fighting chance.
Retreating is the answer if:
- You are at a turning point in your life
- Seeking clarity or insight
- Wanting to dive deeply within
- You want to reconnect your inner life to your outer life
- Slowing your life down
- Needing rest, deep relaxation, healing and rejuvenation
How you do it is your choice, but here are a five ideas:
- Journaling
- Getting closer to nature
- Meditating/Mindfulness practice
- Yoga
- Taking a few days to take part in a retreat
When you are back to feeling fully resourceful and know what you want, then of course, take Sheryl’s advice and Lean In.
From the 11th-15th July, I will be leading a Life Coaching Retreat at the Premier Luxury Mountain Resort, Bansko, Bulgaria. Come along to Relax, Re-energise and Refocus. See this video for more information
I am Jenny Garrett, Executive Coach, founder of Reflexion Associates, a leadership and coaching consultancy and author or Rocking Your Role – the how to guide to success for female breadwinners. Find out more about me, my programmes, speaking engagements and training at rockingyourrole.com and sign up for my newsletter