4 minute read
Seize the Reins and Get in the Arena of Life
[ LEADERSHIP CONNECTION ]
By Zach Arend
When I was 11, my mom dropped me off at a ranch to work with my new rodeo coach. For an entire week, I would put on my cowboy boots, throw hay bales, ride horses and work cattle. Best of all, I learned to work with a lasso, just like the real cowboys.
Mom dropped me off and left. I’m outside, and this cowboy came to me and said, “Boy, go get your horse, saddle him up and meet us in the arena.”
I said what any 11-year-old boy would say to a real-life cowboy – “Yes, sir!”
Walking to the barn to get my horse, Joe, I thought, “Saddle my horse? Are you crazy? How will I do that?”
Mom had left hours ago, but I had seen her do it at least 30 times. How hard could it be? It took me three tries, but surprisingly, I figured it out. I saddled Joe and rode into the arena.
Something was different. I was different. I was sitting taller in the saddle. Deep down, you want this too. Throughout history, we’ve never had more conveniences and comforts than we do now. We spend trillions of dollars on self-care, yet most of us still feel burned out. After having worked with thousands of leaders, I can tell you that we aren’t actually burned out most of the time. We’re just plain bored. This is about taking personal responsibility for one’s life and work.
There are three important principles to embody if you’re to take this on:
1. See the choice in what you’re doing. You are always response-able – you are always able to respond and make a new choice. Action or inaction is a choice. But what matters most about choice is that you’re making it. “Having” to do something or “needing” to do something isn’t very empowering. Choosing is. Reflect:
What choices are you currently making? How well are those choices working for you?
2. Pursue work that gives you a sense of effectiveness and challenge. Too much challenge and low effectiveness lead to stress, and being effective but unchallenged is a recipe for stagnation. Rather than wait for permission to challenge yourself and grow, seek it out. Reflect: Do you feel effective while also challenged by your work?
3. Learn to work on your terms authentically. Sometimes, we get caught in the trap of trying to please others and often put ourselves last. We seldom do what we think we should do. We do what we think others think we should do. Working on your terms means tapping into your creative expression. It focuses on the result you want to see rather than trying to meet someone else’s expectations. This can feel counter-intuitive, but this trait is rare and valuable in today’s economy. Reflect: What do YOU desire to see happen? What role will YOU play in creating it?
Remember, a life of adventure, leadership and impact awaits those who are ready to saddle up. Join me in the arena, playing full out and leading with courage and passion – because when you do, people will follow.
As a former two-time saddle bronc riding champion, Zach Arend transformed the lessons he learned in the rodeo arena into a successful 20-year career in corporate and entrepreneurial leadership roles, building teams, developing leaders and helping companies to thrive. Today, he’s a professionally trained storyteller and speaker who coaches entrepreneurs, executives and sales professionals to Saddle Their Own Horse.™ For more insights to lead in the arena, visit zacharend.com.
Zach will present the Saddle Up! A Modern Leadership Solution and Leading in the Arena: Championing Yourself and Your Team seminars at the Nebraska Connection Conference on Dec. 11, 2024. See pages 16-17 for details.
