Introvert-itudes©: Just Give Me a Break!

Isha Cogborn’s blogpost Do you need a timeout? at Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs caught my introvert attention. It speaks to our need to recharge and how to do so in our business.

In nearly every sport, players and coaches can call a timeout when they need to regroup. Timeouts allow the team to re-strategize after a mistake or rally to ensure a victory.

Do you need to take a timeout? Have you recently lost a job or had a life-altering change that requires you to reassess your life? Do you need to step-up progress against your goals? Or perhaps you have a great opportunity on the table.

Here are three questions to consider during your timeout:

Have you developed the heart of a champion?
Successful athletes put in the work and picture themselves winning the trophy long before the games begin. Can you truly picture yourself becoming the person you want to be? Living the life of your dreams? Now ask yourself, have you put forth the effort to make your dreams reality? One of the greatest keys to winning is believing that you can – then it’s time to work.

Who’s in your starting lineup?
Is your life better because of the people on your team? Are they contributors that you can count on in a clutch? If not, maybe it’s time to make a few substitutions…or permanent trades.

Have you developed a winning strategy?
Stating your intentions isn’t enough. Develop and execute the plays that will move you from where you are to where you want to be. Make sure your goals are S.M.A.R.T. – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound.

If the plays you’re executing aren’t working or you find yourself suddenly playing a different game, take a timeout to make sure you have the right attitude, a supportive team, and a winning strategy.

In the words of my friend Mark Wiggins, “It’s time to move from the bench to the starting lineup of life.”

Stay in the game and play to win, my friend!

Isha Cogborn is a speaker, life coach and media personality.

Introvert-itude: Recharging, taking a time out, give the introvert that regroup time needed to draw on their strengths.

Isha’s question about people on your team: when introverts bring their best to work and play, we can be one of those team players who people want on their starting lineup every time. You don’t have to be going through anything as major as losing a job or significant emotional event to recognize, “I need a time-out.” You owe yourself a break – to be your best.

What do you think about Isha’s advice?