7 Recovery Principles That Can Help You Grow As A Leader (& help you stay together in turbulent times & make it a more tolerant world)

I have been privileged to recently interview 20 global thought leaders in my “Inspired By” Chat Series. I have written three business books, created and delivered training and coaching programs, attained degrees and had an amazing career during which I have been honored to meet global CEOs and politicians. I have read dozens of self-help, self-improvement, personal motivation books. BUT, in reflecting these last 12 weeks on what has helped me stay together during these turbulent times and actually accelerate my business, I have reflected deeply on 7 Recovery Principles that come from 12 Step Programs - these principles guide me today.

I am not perfect. I am human so I make mistakes every day. Having reached a personal rock bottom in 2009, I chose a life without alcohol so I can experience life in all its rainbow array. This period has irresistibly reflected back to me the magic and power that is contained within each of these 7 Recovery Principles. So here goes:

First Things First

We can only really effectively think one thing at a time and do one thing at a time, so why get too far ahead of ourselves? As Stephen Covey says in his The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. “To live a more balanced existence……. All it takes is realizing that it’s all right to say no when necessary and then focus on your highest priorities.” If we focus on the task at hand and have relaxed our bodies and calmed our minds, we give ourselves the best chance to execute to the best of our ability.

One Day At A Time

I love this one and regularly tell people I coach and mentor to “treat each day as a whole lifetime so do your best each day with that in mind”. We can never see the future or control the universe within which we live but we CAN do one thing - focus on the present - our actions. Life is nothing more than a constant parade of current moments each of which we can choose to focus on and so live life with a clear and effective conscience and consciousness. If today was tough- who knows- tomorrow could be better?

Keep It Simple

While it is important to plan, try not to over-intellectualise your life. For those who end up in positive recovery - their best thinking did not get them there - it was surrendering to a way of living that brought them out of the self-centredness that did. We all need simplicity in our lives. Focus, prioritise, use time effectively and choose who you hang out with and share your precious time with. Keep it simple.

Easy Does It

Take things surely and steadily - don’t rush. Growth is a process. We must respect that growth process as much as the outcomes. As in First Things First, if you need to say NO - do so. Mind your mind body and soul. You are the only version of this version of you that you have.

Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes

Change and growth do not happen if you do nothing. Change requires you to change and work at it. We possess a choice - do or don’t do. As I have found out in my life, most of our problems are of our making and change will only occur when we change them.

Progress Not Perfection

As I said, progress is far more valuable and helpful than perfection (despite what some of the social media world might suggest). We are human beings - we WILL fail, make mistakes and need help, despite the fact that some egos think otherwise. The biggest failure is not trying.

Think Think Think 

This principle is so important. Always assume that anything you write online could one day appear in national media. Think before you respond to something especially when you are feeling anger, anxiety or resentment. Take time out and reflect first. 

Resilient leaders operate through the dual prisms of calm, pragmatic strength for the greater good of the organization WHILE doing this compassionately and with empathy. The key concepts of willingness, open-mindedness and honesty that are practiced within 12 Step Programs form a wonderful backdrop for value driven leadership and a blueprint for a life full of growth.

These 7 Recovery Principles have raised millions of people out of addiction, have given wonderful happiness to countless families and have framed the enduring success of some of the greatest leaders and inspirers through time. Why not try them and see what transpires in your growth journey.

Move from the constant pursuit of material, status and financial “external” growth that is finite anyway and at the expense of many to a more “inwardly focused” growth that is infinite and perhaps can bind us all closer and help us all grow together. That’s true growth!!

Simon Haigh 4 June 2020