Intentional Leaders Podcast with Cyndi Wentland
Welcome to the Intentional Leaders Podcast with Cyndi Wentland. Where we’re all about creating confident, successful, and focused leaders who manage with purpose and impact. I’m Cyndi Wentland, the founder of Intentionaleaders. And I’m passionate about learning, teaching, and coaching on all things leadership related. My purpose is to equip leaders like you with the tools, resources, and support to accomplish your goals. To learn when you want, how you want. So, if you’re an aspiring leader, first-time manager, experienced executive, or you just want to make a bigger impact in your role as an individual contributor—this podcast is for you. Because each week we’ll focus on relevant, applicable, and easy to implement skills and practices—to create focus and a deliberate path to employee engagement and business results. I know that leadership has its challenges but learning to lead shouldn’t be one of them.
Intentional Leaders Podcast with Cyndi Wentland
Choosing Discomfort: What I learned in 52 weeks.
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When was the last time you consciously chose discomfort? You made a deliberate decision to do/say/behave in a way that you knew would make you feel awkward, afraid, frustrated, or vulnerable? And how did you get the courage to take action? I want you to think about the moment you decided to lean into discomfort. This is an important moment.
Because I’ve been doing this podcast now for one year. And it took me nearly a year prior to that to get the courage and the knowledge to even begin recording. I do remember weeping. I do remember foul language. Announcing to my husband, I CAN’T DO THIS. Until, I did.
I’ve chosen discomfort, 52 times so far, because I want to share leadership lessons with you. Did you know that according to research, ½ of first-time managers fail? And while I didn’t fail at management, I wish 30 years ago I would have had a “guide on the side.” More mentoring, more coaching. More people who would help me make better choices in managing myself and others.
So now, this is a mission of mine. To help each and every one of you know that your life is full of choices, and that leading others, influencing others, motivating and encouraging others is a powerful mission. And I believe so strongly and passionately, that it requires intentional effort to be successful.
Because that’s what choosing discomfort is all about. It is the stuff of our dreams, our goals. Because these things we want and strive for are aspirational, they are in the future. And most commonly we have to do/learn/try something new to accomplish them. Which is scary. And sometimes totally sucks. And so, like so many people, we don’t go there. Because well, it will require us to be confident and courageous in the face of the unknown. Which is hard.
What do you want in the future and what are you willing to do to get it? Are you willing to be awkward, look silly, be embarrassed, hop on the struggle bus? And are you willing to let others see you there, witness the journey?
I talked about this in my very first podcast, How to Be a Conscious Leader: Be Aware of Your Vulnerability in Learning. Are you willing to go through conscious incompetence to achieve your next leadership challenge?
When you choose discomfort you:
- Choose action over stagnation
- Demonstrate courage over safety
- Build confidence in yourself and your capabilities
- Are a visible role model for growth and development
- Increase trust in others through vulnerability
- Move towards your goals and dreams
- Live a life on purpose, with purpose
So, what did I learn from 52 weeks of discomfort? That is actually wasn’t 52 weeks of pain. Oh, those first few? Dicey. But then the awkwardness began to ebb…the practice of doing it began to feel more comfortable, familiar. The challenge was motivating. The process, easier. Oh, I’m not saying I’m a podcast ninja, but I’m here for you, teaching, sharing, and being a role model for change and growth.
Because if I can learn to do a freaking podcast, think what you can do.
And you know what? In the next few months, I’m going to start integrating interviews with really awesome leaders into my podcast. So, you can learn from
Be the Best Leader You Know
Perform with Power, Lead with Impact, Inspire Growth
To sharpen your skills and increase your confidence, check out the Confident Leader Course: https://www.intentionaleaders.com/confident-leader