August 17, 2022  

Ever Get Tired?

Darren Smith

Weekly TRUTH

Yesterday was a long day for me, like most of us experience on a regular basis. It started at 5 a.m. to finish preparing for a meeting at eight. It ended with being a timer at a youth swim meet for three hours; then at 10 p.m., accompanying one of my kids to a neighbor’s house to water their flowers while they were on vacation. I didn't want to do either of the later tasks, but did so grudgingly—and you could tell by my body language and tone. Most of us do the same when we're tired, and more is being asked of us. It's self-centered. What we should do is what most don't: model what we profess to others, not with words, but actions. We must be intentional about this, specifically because we're tired. When we're tired, and yet when we still manage to show our best selves, and model high energy and positivity, others feel our selflessness, and we draw out their best in the moment. Even when you're tired, you rub off on others more when your body language and tone stay positive, warm and gentle.   The next time you’re feeling tired, welcome this opportunity to display the opposite. I believe doing this rubs off on others, and you create a ripple effect. How many ripples can you create per week? What's your experience?

This article was last modified on August 17, 2022 .

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About the author 

Darren Smith

Darren Smith is Co-Founder of the Authentic Leadership Institute. He is a native Texan and a graduate of Dallas Jesuit and Texas A&M University. Over the past 25 years, Darren has visited 35 countries and led 100 strategy programs. He and his wife have five children.

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