Today, I’m starting a streak and eager to see how long I can keep it going. I’m exercising on the treadmill every day for 25 minutes - time enough to watch one episode of the original Twilight Zone tv show from the fifties. There are 156 episodes. It might not sound like much of a challenge but I’ve tried for decades to make a habit of daily exercise - let’s go!
Each day, I’ll share a self-development lesson from a Twilight Zone episode. Here goes.
Ep. 1 “Where is Everybody?”
A man with amnesia wanders through a small town without people. Turns out he was in the Air Force doing an isolation exercise where he was in a tiny room for 20 days without outside stimuli. He loses touch with reality because of the isolation.
Leadership Development Skill - Identify Your Roles
We’re social animals and need to make meaningful connections with others. In my book, “All the Hats We Wear: How to be Joyful, Productive, & Fulfilled,” I start with identifying life roles - the many hats we wear. Once you identify the 15-20 roles you play (or should be playing), focus on crafting them into works of art. 15-20 is a manageable amount to curate. Also, there are four types of roles: mind/body/spirit, giving/receiving, personal, and professional.
Once you define your roles, expand your network for each one. If you have a Meditator role, go on a meditation retreat with other passionate meditators. If you have a role of Roller Derby Queen - yes, I know someone who is on a team, your experience deepens with your teammates and your new roller derby community. By the way, the best roller derby nickname I’ve heard is Holly Wanna Crack ya! Define your roles then seed community and expand your network in each.
Related resources for identifying roles and other key leadership development skills:
The Benefits of Identifying Your Past and Present Roles
Most Powerful Time Management Skill Podcast Episode
Identify Your Top Roles - Forbes Article on Productivity
