Mark here. Here’s what we have in store for this week…
WHAT I’M WRITING ABOUT
Letting Go to Lead
One of the most powerful things we can do as a leader is to release what no longer serves us. This process of letting go is about discarding the old to make space for growth and new possibilities. I’ve learned that true progress comes only when I’m willing to let go of attachments—whether outdated beliefs, unproductive habits, or relationships that weigh me down. This is a complex but necessary process, especially when we are deeply attached to what we know, even if it hinders our progress.
Authentic leadership requires us to be present, clear-headed, and focused on our highest goals. But when we hold on to things that no longer serve us or align with our purpose, we can stall our growth and limit our ability to lead with that presence, clarity, and vision. This can manifest in various ways, from micromanaging our teams to resisting organizational changes. You can gain more influence and achieve greater success by letting go and releasing control. Here are a couple of action steps to consider as you roll into 2025:
1. Conduct a Personal Inventory: Reflect deeply on the areas of your life that may be holding you back. Identify habits, beliefs, or relationships that no longer serve your leadership vision. This could include a tendency to micromanage, a reluctance to delegate, or resistance to change. Write them down, and commit to releasing them with intention.
2. Replace with Focused Action: Once you’ve let go, create space for new, intentional actions that align with your purpose. This might involve empowering your team members, delegating tasks effectively, or embracing change as an opportunity for growth. Set one clear, achievable goal daily and take purposeful steps toward that vision.
Releasing what weighs you down is a courageous act that requires vulnerability and a willingness to challenge limiting beliefs. When we let go, we unlock the potential for ourselves and everyone we lead. We create an environment where creativity flourishes, innovation thrives, and the organization becomes more agile and resilient. Remember, effective leadership is not about controlling every detail, but about fostering growth, empowering others, and adapting to the evolving demands of leadership.
NEW EPISODE – THE MARK DIVINE SHOW
Staring Down Fear
Episode # 498
Mark Divine, Ph.D., is the host of The Mark Divine Show, a solo podcast focused on developing mental toughness, emotional resilience, and intuitive leadership. A Navy SEAL veteran and leadership expert, Mark graduated as Honor Man of SEAL BUD/S class 170 and served 20 years in the SEAL teams, retiring as Commander in 2011. He is also the founder of SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind, programs designed to enhance physical, mental, and emotional performance.
Mark holds a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change and has practiced Zen meditation and breathwork for over 30 years. His unique approach to leadership blends holistic, whole-person development with a focus on unlocking human potential. He has authored several bestselling books, including Unbeatable Mind and The Way of the SEAL. Mark lives in Encinitas, CA, with his wife, Sandy, their children, spirited grandchildren, and dogs, and is driven by a mission to inspire 100 million people to develop greater mental toughness, intuition, and compassion.
Podcast Highlights:
Fear. It’s a pervasive issue for many. However, on this week’s Unbeatable Mind podcast, host Mark Divine takes a deep dive into the impact fear has on people’s lives and how it is propagated in our culture. Mark breaks down common acronyms such as F.E.A.R (False Expectations Appearing Real) and discusses strategies for managing realistic fears as well as fears rooted in childhood trauma and primordial anxieties. Mark traverses his way through a myriad of daily practices that can help mitigate fear and discusses the difference between rational and irrational fears so listeners can identify the two, and avoid being debilitated by either.
The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek. — Joseph Campbell
PRACTICE OR HABIT TO TRY
Practice More Balance: Try this practice to cultivate more balance for the next five days. Each morning, upon waking, take five deep breaths and set an intention for the day. Focus specifically on balance, whether that means balancing work and rest, effort and ease, or action and stillness. Then, dedicate 10 minutes each day to mindful movement. This could involve physical activities that challenge your balance, such as yoga poses like Tree Pose or Warrior III, or even something as simple as standing on one leg while brushing your teeth. In the evening, take five minutes to reflect on your day. How did you manage balance? Journal one thing you did well and one area where you could improve. Repeat this practice for five days, aiming to become more present and aware of the balance in your daily routine.
P.S. If you enjoyed this email, reply here and let me know what you thought. I’d love to hear from you.
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Mark Divine is a New York Times best-selling author, leadership expert, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and retired U.S. Navy SEAL Commander. He is also the founder and CEO of Unbeatable and SEALFIT.
