Vol. 003: Mental Health
š¤ Howdy/Hiya/Ciao:
Welcome back to all 1,010 (!) of you who have joined the BCK movement. This is the third edition of our monthly blog and newsletter. Our intention is to inspire leaders around the world. As our ripple effect grows, please consider forwarding this to a leader whom you admire. To recap where we've been:In March, we got the first pancake off the griddle (i.e. I'm authoring my first leadership book set for release in 2025)In April, we focused on National Stress Awareness Month through the lens of NCAA student-athletesIn May, we will now shift our gaze to Mental Health Awareness Month; a topic near & dear to me, personally
Before you stop reading because you're thinking, "Boo... I'm tired of heavy topics." then I implore you to, instead, ponder, "How would my impact be felt differently if I fully stepped in to the type of leader I wish I had?" Oftentimes, our mental health struggles prevent us from leading in the manner in which we want to lead. We can grow weary. This can seep into other areas of our life, as well, and before we know it, we begin to doubt ourselves. We may even begin to develop trust issues with others, or worse, with ourselves.In the summer of 2021, my mental health took a severe turn as I struggled to find secure footing in a fully remote, senior leadership role. I spiraled. My thinking included: āI f*cked up my career. How did I even get here? Thereās no way out!"In reality, there was a way outāI resigned from a job that was no longer serving me. It was that decisive redirection which led me to where I am today.My lesson: Despite trying and bargaining over-and-over with myselfā¦ when it still cost me my mental health, it was NOT worth it.
As you read on, consider how you address your mental health. Do you manage it privately? If so, how exactly? Do you have a trained coach or licensed therapist to open up to? What burden are you carrying? Let's lighten your load...In the sections that follow you will discover three things:š a quote that moved usš° a feature story on shifting from self-doubt to self-beliefāļø a call to action for more random acts of kindness
Thanks for reading. Now, letās get to it! -MMš Quote of the Month
On Mental Health"Mental health isn't just an athlete thing. What you do for a living doesn't have to define who you are. This is an everyone thing. No matter what our circumstances, we're all carrying around things that hurt ā and they can hurt us if we keep them buried inside."
āKevin Love, NBA Player
š° Featured Story
On Shifting from Self-Doubt to Self-BeliefSpoiler alert: Confidence comes and goes.
Thatās right, itās fleeting. Confidence is not a fixed trait, but can be developed through our choices and actions. Neural plasticity research indicates that we can rewire our brains to increase self-confidence through consistent effort and the courage to take risks.
As a leader, you may be tasked with managing new talent or take on more risk within your role. At times, a lack of familiarity may cause you to doubt yourself. Yet, what many āgurusā or influencers will try and tell you is to stay stoic, or worse, āfake it till you make itā.
Itās time we recognize that self-doubt is a natural emotion. It does not make us inferior. It signals that we are human.
Hereās the good news: You have choice! You can choose self-doubt, or shift to self-belief.
Last August, BCK was invited to deliver a keynote address at a UT Austin - Fall Staff Training event. Many of the student-employees who attended the event will be graduating this month.
As they each embark on their unique journey and set out to change the world (for the better), we felt compelled to re-share our message on the ability to choose self-belief in times of doubt, uncertainty, and even in our darkest moments of mental health struggles.
Our framework takes into consideration the symbolism of the North Star (Polaris) as a reference point for self-orientation, navigation, and understanding one's location on Earth. When in doubt, you can always look to this framework to find your way home to YOU.
āļø How to Create Your North Star
Decide who you want to beānot what you āshouldā do.
Define your whyārevisit it often.
Dream bigābut start by taking small actions.
Honor the struggleāit doesn't matter how you start, what matters is how you keep showing up.
Play the long gameāsuccess doesnāt happen overnight.
What do you think? Where is your North Star leading you today?
š Watch the video below.
āļø Call to Action
On Random Acts of KindnessChoose one action you will take this month in an attempt to support somebody elseās mental health:
Call a friend or family member you haven't spoken to in a while just to check in on them and let them know you're thinking of them
Offer to help with household chores or errands for your partner, friend, or a neighbor who may be struggling with their mental health
Send an encouraging text message or inspiring quote to someone you know is going through a difficult time
Bake a treat or prepare a meal for a colleague who seems stressed or overwhelmed.
Write a handwritten note expressing your appreciation for how someone else makes you feel
Volunteer your time at a local organization that prioritizes mental health initiatives
Donate supplies or funds to a mental health charity or non-profit, such as The Jed Foundation
Smile, make eye contact, and say hello to a homeless person as you pass by, as this simple gesture can brighten their day
Offer to listen without judgment if a friend or family member wants to open up about what they're going through
About Us
BCK is a leadership development practice that was created by Milam [my-lum] Miller in July 2022Our mission is to build a better future of work with confident and kind leadersWe do this through speaking engagements, interactive team workshops, and personalized coaching--HERE ARE 3 WAYS BCK CAN HELP YOU AND YOUR COMPANY: