There’s beauty all around us, waiting to be discovered. But amidst the hustle and bustle of leadership, deadlines, and daily demands, it’s easy to forget to pause and appreciate the small joys. Yet, this simple act of savouring – intentionally focusing on and amplifying positive experiences – is a powerful tool for cultivating resilience.
In this post, we’ll explore why savouring is essential for leaders, delve into the science behind it, and provide actionable steps for integrating this practice into your daily routine.
Growing up in church, one phrase echoed through the sanctuary during testimony service: “Today is a day we’ve never seen before, and a day we’ll never see again.” It was a simple reminder to savour the moment, to acknowledge its fleeting beauty and embrace the unique opportunity each day presents. That message resonated deeply with me and planted the seeds for my understanding of resilience.
The Power of Resilience in Leadership
Resilience is the ability to adapt to challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and even grow through adversity. It’s a cornerstone of effective leadership, especially in our increasingly complex and volatile world. Resilient leaders are more likely to navigate crises successfully, maintain optimism in the face of uncertainty, and inspire their teams to persevere.
Research from the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) highlights the importance of resilience in navigating the pressures of modern working life. Resilient leaders are better equipped to manage stress, maintain their well-being, and ultimately lead their organizations towards success.
The Science of Savoring
While resilience might seem like an innate trait, it’s a skill that can be developed and strengthened. One surprising yet effective method is savouring.
Our brains have a natural negativity bias, meaning we tend to dwell on negative experiences more than positive ones. This bias can make us more susceptible to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Savoring counteracts this negativity bias by training our brains to focus on and appreciate positive emotions.
Neuroscience research suggests that when we savour positive experiences, we activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine and other “feel-good” chemicals. This enhances our mood in the moment and creates lasting positive neural pathways. Over time, this practice can rewire our brains to naturally seek out and focus on the positive aspects of life, fostering greater resilience.
Actionable Steps for Savoring
- Notice the Good: Start by paying attention to your day’s small moments of joy, gratitude, or accomplishment. It could be a delicious meal, a heartfelt compliment, a beautiful sunset, or a sense of pride in your work.
- Savour the Moment: When you experience something positive, pause and fully immerse yourself in it. Engage your senses – what do you see, hear, smell, taste, or touch? Notice the emotions you’re feeling.
- Share Your Joy: Talk about your positive experiences with others. This amplifies your joy and spreads positivity to those around you.
- Reflect and Record: Take time to reflect on the positive aspects of your day. Keep a gratitude journal, jot down happy memories, or create a “joy jar” where you collect notes about the things that make you smile.
- Make It a Habit: The more you practice savouring, the more natural it will become. Set reminders, create rituals, or incorporate savouring into your daily routine.
Savoring is a simple yet profound practice that can significantly enhance leadership resilience. By intentionally focusing on and appreciating the positive aspects of your life, you can rewire your brain, cultivate a more optimistic outlook, and build the emotional strength needed to navigate leadership challenges.
Remember, there’s always beauty around us, waiting to be savoured. Take the time to appreciate it, and watch your resilience and leadership flourish.
Call to Action:
What are you savouring today? Share your positive moments in the comments below!