In this episode of The Anti-Guru Guru Show, Chris Walker explores the third level of conscious leadership: effort. Discover how actual effort goes beyond hard work, focusing on intentional actions that align with your purpose. Chris draws parallels between elite athletes and corporate leaders, highlighting how smart, conscious effort can maximise performance while avoiding the pitfalls of stress. Tune in to explore how to lead with purpose, precision, and power.
As I continue my journey in conscious leadership, I’ve come to appreciate the deep and often subtle layers that make up authentic, effective leadership. One of these layers, which I’m particularly passionate about, is the concept of Effort—the third level of conscious leadership. But what does effort mean in this context? I’ve wrestled with it and believe it is crucial for anyone striving to lead with intention and purpose.
At first glance, the effort seems straightforward. From a young age, we’re taught that hard work pays off and that putting in the hours will lead to success. But as I’ve observed in my personal life and the leaders, there is a profound difference between I coach; they’ working hard and consciously. And this difference, I believe, is where the true power of effort lies.
Effort, in the context of conscious leadership, isn’t about grinding yourself into the ground. It’s not about being the first to arrive and the last to leave, nor is it about taking on every challenge that comes your way without a second thought. Instead, it’s about directing your precious, finite energy—towards the things that truly matter. It’s about aligning your actions with your higher purpose, ensuring that every step you take and decision you make moves you closer to your goals.
This kind of effort is intentional. It’s purposeful. And it’s incredibly powerful.
I’ve often drawn inspiration from the world of sport, where the concept of effort is tangible and relatable. Take, for example, an elite athlete—a marathon runner, perhaps. This athlete doesn’t simply run as fast as they can for as long as they can. No, their training and performance are calculated and deliberate. Every step and every breath is designed for maximum efficiency. There’s no wasted movement, no unnecessary exertion. They know that tension—healthy tension—is what keeps them sharp, focused, and ready. But stress? That’s a different story. Stress is the enemy of performance. It clouds judgment, leads to mistakes, and ultimately can ruin a race.
In the same way, conscious leaders must be aware of how they’re expending their energy. In our fast-paced, high-pressure world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of reacting to every situation and letting stress dictate our actions. But I’ve learned and taught that this kind of reactive effort is not sustainable. It doesn’t lead to long-term success or fulfilment. Instead, it leads to burnout, poor decision-making, and a work environment that is anything but inspiring.
So, what’s the alternative? It’s about stepping back and asking yourself: Am I acting with intention? Am I directing my efforts in a way that aligns with my values and purpose? What truly matters, or am I caught up in the noise and stress and focusing on the reactive cycle that so many fall into?
The effort, when done consciously, becomes a powerful tool for change. It’s not just about doing more—it’s about doing what’s right. It’s about having the discipline to stop doing things that aren’t serving you or moving you forward. It’s about understanding that in nature, there’s a balance between right and wrong, good and evil, and recognising that these are just perceptions. The key to conscious effort is having the right intent and not being a puppet to your circumstances.
Consider the lion in the wild—a creature that embodies this concept beautifully. The lion doesn’t chase after every animal it sees. It doesn’t waste its energy on futile pursuits. Instead, it waits, watches, and strikes with precision and purpose when the time is right. This is the kind of effort I strive to embody in my leadership and the kind of effort I encourage in those I coach.
In the corporate world, just like in sports, maximising return isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. It’s about ensuring that every action you take and every decision you make contributes to your ultimate goal. It’s about understanding that tension can be healthy and keep you sharp, but stress? Stress is the killer. It’s the thing that will take you off course if you let it.
Nobody wants to work for a stressed-out leader, and nobody thrives in an environment where stress is the driving force. As conscious leaders, we have a responsibility—not just to ourselves but to those we lead—to manage our efforts in a way that inspires, motivates, and drives positive change.
So, I would like to challenge you to reflect on your efforts. Are they aligned with your purpose? Are they intentional? Are they moving you closer to your goals or simply reacting to the pressures around you? By taking control of your effort and directing it with purpose and intent, you can elevate your leadership and the lives of those you touch.
This is the essence of the third level of conscious leadership. It’s about being deliberate, purposeful, and mindful of how you apply your effort. It’s about making every moment count, just like that elite athlete, just like that lion in the wild. And when you do that, you’re not just leading—you’re leading with intent, purpose, and a vision for the future that is as powerful as it is inspiring.
Remember, the effort you put in today shapes the leader you become tomorrow. So make it count.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. Let’s keep it accurate, keep it messy, and, most importantly, keep practising.
Until next time,
Chris Walker
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