Good morning friend,
While preparing for a 5-kilometer run in support of Sunnybrook's Family Navigation Project, I’ve been inspired and encouraged by my chiropractor, who is training for a half-marathon and shared a helpful training schedule.
It’s a relatively short distance, but the dedication required (doing proper stretching at least five times per week, running at least three times per week for increasing distances, and staying motivated even when some pain arises) is all part of the preparation process.
Accomplishing a meaningful task almost always involves preparation, followed by the regular practice of positive habits, whether in your faith, family life, work, health, financial well-being, or community impact.
To meet an opportunity when it arrives, you must be prepared. But how do you prepare for the unknown as a leader, when you don’t know what the next potential challenge or opportunity might be? You do the work: cultivating habits that strengthen your skills, capabilities, and support network so you’re ready to deliver when it counts.
Leadership is often painted as a straight path toward a clearly defined goal, but in reality, it’s more like navigating a constantly shifting landscape. Opportunities rarely announce themselves in advance, and challenges almost never arrive on schedule. The leaders who thrive are not the ones who can predict the future, but the ones who prepare for it every day building habits that sharpen their adaptability, resilience, and creativity.
Here are habits worth practicing in order to become the kind of leader who is ready for anything:
1. Keep Growing Your Mind and Skills
The world is changing fast, and leaders who stop learning can fall behind. Growth doesn’t need to be overwhelming; small, daily actions build long-term adaptability.
Practical ways to do this daily:
- Read something outside your field (an article, a book chapter, or a case study) to spark fresh ideas.
- Write for 5–10 minutes to practice clear communication.
- Experiment with a small new approach at work; whether it’s testing a new workflow, using a new tool, or reframing a problem.
- Set one small, achievable goal for the day, and review progress at the end of it.
These micro-practices compound, making you sharper and more prepared when an unexpected opportunity or challenge appears.
2. Nurture Relationships and Visibility
Opportunities often come through other people. Leaders who consistently invest in relationships and stay visible are the ones most likely to be “in the room” when decisions are made.
Practical ways to do this daily:
- Send a quick thank-you note, check-in, or update to a colleague, peer, or mentor.
- Share a small insight, win, or idea on LinkedIn or in your team’s channel; staying present keeps you top of mind.
- Make time in at least one conversation per day to listen more than you speak; it strengthens trust and connection.
- Look for ways to add value to others, even if it’s just forwarding an article they might find useful.
Consistent visibility and generosity ensure you’re positioned to both seize opportunities and navigate challenges with support.
3. Protect Your Energy and Resilience
Leadership is demanding, and the unknown is easier to handle when you’re mentally and physically steady. Resilience is built through daily self-care, not just in moments of crisis.
Practical ways to do this daily:
- Move your body; even a 20-minute walk improves focus and lowers stress.
- Schedule a non-negotiable block of downtime (even 30 minutes) to rest, pursue a hobby, or connect with a friend.
- Journal a quick reflection on what challenged you today and how you handled it. Building awareness strengthens confidence for future challenges.
By protecting your energy daily, you create the clarity and stamina needed to lead decisively when the unexpected happens.
You can’t predict the future, but you can prepare for it. If every day you commit to growing your skills, nurturing your relationships, and protecting your resilience, you’ll already be the kind of leader who’s ready for whatever comes next.
Sincerely,
Alex Rășcanu
P.S. If you found this message helpful, hit reply and share your reflections. I read every message. Also, come for one of the upcoming #ExperienceTO historical tours such as the West Bend Historical Tour on Saturday, September 6th.
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