Embracing Mortality—A Call to Purposeful Leadership

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When I was 16 years old and too young to fully grasp the sensitivity of the situation, I interviewed my grandmother’s friend, JoAnn, who was terminally ill, for a school project entitled “The Speed of Life.”  About five minutes into the interview I began questioning JoAnn about her illness and her life situation. 

“So,” I tried to delicately ask, “What is it like to wake up every morning and know that you are dying?”

“Well,” she replied, “What is it like to wake up every morning and pretend that you are not?”

MARC CHERNOFF

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In the fabric of existence, there’s an undeniable truth:  We are all journeying towards the same inevitable destination—mortality.  And yet, like Marc Chernoff reports in his 2014 post, 25 Things You Should Never Stop Doing for Yourself, that I quote above, “What is it like to wake up every morning and pretend that you are not?” many of us deny, or at least suppress, that truth.

Yet, it's not the ticking clock that defines us, but rather how we choose to spend the time we have.  This profound realization forms the cornerstone of my mission: Partnering with like-minded leaders who want to make a positive difference in the world.

When I think back on my encounters with mortality, particularly within the realm of healthcare and EMS, I’m reminded of the fragility of life.  Each life stage, from infancy to the elderly, has whispered to me the same message:  Time is fleeting.  But in this fleetingness lies an invitation—to awaken and transcend the mundane; to align our actions with our deepest truths and purpose.

Reviving the Essence of Purpose
Echoing through the ages are the words of sages and spiritual luminaries, urging us to confront our mortality.  From the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth to the meditations of Anthony de Mello, SJ, we're called to reckon with the finite nature of our existence, that one day, "I will die."  It's not an exercise in morbidity, but a pathway to clarity—a chance to distill our essence and unearth the purpose pulsating within us.

In both my book, A Travel Guide to Leadership, and in the Purpose-Driven Leadership Program, I pose questions that pierce through the veil of superficiality: 

• What legacy do I wish to leave behind?
• How do I want to be remembered? 
• Who am I?
• Why am I here?

These inquiries aren't mere musings but transformational catalysts igniting the flame of purpose within.

Embracing Mortality: A Leadership Imperative
Leadership, in its essence, is not merely about managing tasks or accruing accolades.  It's a sacred dance—a call to shepherd souls and catalyze change. Yet, when we avert our gaze from mortality, we risk diluting our leadership potential.  By acknowledging our finite nature, we infuse our leadership with a sense of urgency and authenticity.

Imagine awakening each dawn with the clarity that this day could be our last.  How would we lead differently?  How would we love more fiercely, speak more authentically, and act more boldly?  It's this sense of immediacy that births purpose-driven leaders—individuals who lead not from a place of fear but from a wellspring of conviction and compassion.

A Call to Action
Today, I extend an invitation—a summons to leaders poised to embrace their mortality and seize the reins of purpose. Through my Purpose-Driven Leadership Program, we delve deep into the crucible of introspection, crafting life missions and leadership philosophies that resonate with our core values.  With personalized coaching and the transformative power of the LPI360 assessment, we sculpt leaders who lead not just with competence but with unwavering purpose.

In the tapestry of existence, mortality serves as both a reminder and a guidepost.  It beckons us to live with intention, to lead with conviction, and to leave an indelible mark on the world.  So, let's shed the cloak of denial, embrace our mortality, and embark on a journey of purposeful leadership—one that echoes beyond the confines of time itself.

In the pursuit of purpose, every moment matters.  Let us seize them with reverence, for in embracing our mortality, we unlock the boundless potential of our leadership journey.

Enjoy the two inspirational, bonus videos below

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Have an amazing journey today!

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Alan Mikolaj is a seasoned coach and leadership development consultant with nearly 20 years of experience.  He is passionate about helping leaders transform their leadership, their teams, and their organizations.  He has an impactful, professional approach driven by a passion for meaning and purpose, a growth mindset, and a commitment to excellence and service in order to drive change and results.

Alan holds his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and Associate Certified Coach credential with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and maintains their ethics and standards of behavior, including the standards regarding confidentiality.  You can learn more about them on the ICF website.

Transformational change starts with a conversation!
Alan is on a mission to partner with like-minded leaders who want to make a positive difference in the world.  Schedule your free, one-hour session by clicking here: Discovery Conversation with Alan
Or call or email: Contact Page

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