"Letting go will teach you the art of being soft and humble, yet powerful and free." A.Vasiliu
Have you heard this story?
Two monks trekked along a dusty path and they reached a roaring river. On the opposite bank stood a young woman, her eyes wide with worry as she clutched a small bundle.
The elder monk, his face etched with wisdom, exchanged a silent glance with his younger companion. Their vows were clear - no physical contact with women. Without a word, the elder monk waded into the raging water. He reached the woman and hesitantly, she climbed onto his back. Finally, he reached the other side, placing the woman and her bundle gently on the dry ground.
The younger monk watched, his jaw clenched in silent disapproval. As they continued their journey, the memory of the woman seemed to cling to him like a burr. Hours passed, filled with a tense silence. Finally, he could no longer contain himself. "Master," he blurted, "we swore an oath! How could you carry a woman across the river?"
The elder monk, his gaze fixed on the path ahead, paused for a moment. Then, with a gentle smile, he replied, "Brother, I set her down by the riverbank many miles ago. Why are you still carrying her?"
As an executive leader, the weight of responsibility can feel immense. We're constantly bombarded with decisions, deadlines, and challenges. Sometimes, the pressure can lead us to cling to past issues, missed opportunities, or even grudges. But what if letting go is the key to true leadership growth?
This parable of the monks teaches a powerful lesson. The younger monk fixates on a broken vow, carrying the burden of the encounter long after it's over. In contrast, the elder monk acts decisively, is nimble, fulfills a need, and then releases the situation.
Leaders often face similar choices. We might dwell on a missed deal, a negative performance review, or a conflict with a colleague. Holding onto these burdens not only clouds our judgment but also saps our energy.
The elder monk reminds us that dwelling on the past is a futile exercise. We can't change what's already happened. True leadership lies in addressing present challenges, making sound decisions, and learning from past experiences without being chained to them.
By practicing the art of letting go, we free ourselves to lead with clarity, purpose, and compassion, creating a more positive and productive environment for ourselves and our teams.
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