I have ideas, they don’t have me… 💡
Conscious leaders are humbly and objectively open to new perspectives
While listening to a recent podcast where the host and guest were discussing the polarization and ideology that drive geopolitics, I was intrigued by how the host articulated his views of dogma. He explained how he personally constructs his own belief systems thus: “I have ideas, they don’t have me.”
In other words, he is not so rigid in his beliefs that he isn’t open to changing them when a new, more conscious idea presents itself. His ideas don’t own, or have, him. He’s wise enough to grow and mature as his consciousness, or awareness, increases.
This is a highly conscious perspective. Because rather than getting stuck in one belief system or rigidly adhering to an idea, it reflects a dedication to constant growth and maturity.
The ability to exchange long-held beliefs for new ones requires humility and objectivity. It means setting aside the ego’s need to be right in order to be wise. It’s not an easy process since humans crave the certainty of orthodoxy and dogma. But when we are too steeped in what we subjectively perceive to be “the truth” (true for me, thus true for everyone), we can miss the opportunity to explore newer, more enriching beliefs.
In his book Conscious Leadership, John Mackey describes how becoming more objective is an essential part of growth for conscious leaders:
“…the ability to become more objective about subjective matters—emotions, personality traits, biases, beliefs, triggers, prejudices, strengths, sounds, and more—is one key measure of that elusive thing called growth.”
Mackey goes on to say that if our goal is to be more conscious leaders, “…what could be more critical than taking that which is subjective—and therefore often subconscious or unconscious—and making it objective, bringing it into the light of consciousness?”
If we are each the product of our own belief system, then we need to constantly evaluate whether our beliefs are serving us well. One of the most powerful aspects of coaching is that is raises one’s conscious awareness of the beliefs that are subconsciously or unconsciously driving your actions.
It’s a powerful moment when a client has that “ah-ha” moment. They suddenly realize a disempowering idea had them, not vice versa. They can then choose which ideas they want to embrace and help them achieve their professional, spiritual, relationship, financial or wellness goals.
As you commit to growing as a conscious leader, ask yourself, “Do my ideas have me, or do I have my ideas?” It’s a powerful mental shift that will set you free.
Constant development is the law of life, and a man who always tries to maintain his dogmas in order to appear consistent drives himself into a false position. —Mahatma Gandhi
Work happy. Live happy. BE happy.
Meredith
The way we work and build teams is rapidly changing. Leaders often feel unprepared to navigate the transition. As a conscious leadership coach, consultant and communicator, Meredith helps leaders and their teams create new ways of working and relating so they can prepare for the future by consciously co-creating it.
Contact her to develop your conscious leadership and transform your organization into the workplace of the future.
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