By Erica Estes, Graduate Assistant for Facilities & Fitness at the University of Southern Mississippi

Whether the New Year rang in like a sweet symphony for you or instead sounded like a clatter that brought about a bit of chaos, I believe it’s critical for each of us to view 2016 as another opportunity for self-improvement and renewed leadership. To me, a new year isn’t a time to start from scratch and begin again. Rather, it’s an additional episode in our exclusive series of life. It’s a time to reflect on our adventure thus far and continue to build upon the foundation each of us has established in our personal and professional pursuits.

I see the beginning of a new year as a moment when we all reach a crossroads. We’ve traveled a great distance and come to a momentary overlook. This is a time to reflect and marvel as we stand upon the precipice of our next great adventure. As I reflect on my journey with the NIRSA Student Leadership Team from this viewpoint, I’m quickly made breathless by the beautiful works of mentorship, leadership, and fellowship this group of dedicated students is responsible for.

These include a record-breaking live runway auction in Region II, a remarkable keynote speaker in Region V, and a successful Student Lead On at a tropical destination in Region VI. Additionally, the Regional Student Leaders devised memorable networking icebreakers in Region IV, shared the NIRSA kool-aid with first-time conference attendees in Region I, and ultimately reached an apex of excellence with over 500 student attendees in Cleveland for the Region III Student Lead On. As our official journey begins to wane, I look with excitement at the future Student Leadership and all the potential they possess as a dedicated group.

Throughout this season of renewal, I’ve been driven towards self-reflection and the enhancement of healthy habits by a book that I’m reading with my mentor from the NIRSA Mentor Program. H3 Leadership is written by Brad Lomenick, the executive producer of The Voice, Shark Tank, Survivor, and Celebrity Apprentice. Early in the book, Brad explains that there’s “a moment in the life of every leader when he or she stands at a crossroads and must ask, ‘What’s next?’”

Each of us will inevitably come to this intersection, and the start of a new year is a great time to delve into a season of rest and reflection. When he found himself faced with this crossroads, Lomenick went on a sabbatical. It was during this sabbatical that he was motived to write H3 Leadership, a book built on three key statements: Be Humble, Stay Hungry, and Always Hustle. These statements flesh out into three critical questions we should ask ourselves in times of personal rejuvenation:

  1. Be Humble – Who am I?
  2. Stay Hungry – Where do I want to go?
  3. Always Hustle – How will I get there?

As leaders striving to develop and guide those within our sphere of influence, it’s critical that we first know ourselves. Lomenick emphasizes that you must influence others from the inside out. He reminds us that our mission, values, and foundational beliefs shape our unique leadership style. He says, “The more I help me get better, the more I can help we get better.”

In this profession, we are educators by nature; however, as leaders we must also be humble enough to continually strive to be educated by others. I would encourage each and every one of you to step out of your comfort zone occasionally; those times within the unknown enable us to discover our true identity. Considering getting involved with other departments within collegiate recreation, presenting at a workshop, or working towards a certification that may seem outside your scope of practice.

“Be the varsity version of you, not the junior varsity version of someone else.” – Brad Lomenick

Lomenick also encourages every person to schedule time for personal reflection in a happy place—a special chair, for example, or a room overlooking a favorite landscape. Having quiet time every day allows for deep personal introspection and self-evaluation. Finding quiet time has been a great challenge for me lately since it feels like my life has been on fast forward the past few months as I go through an exciting time of transition and renewal. At the same time, it’s been incredibly rewarding—those quiet times are when I find the greatest peace. I’ve discovered that the more time we spend in short seasons of sabbatical, the stronger we become for others.

To reach our reNEWed self, many of us decide to make New Year’s resolutions—even in the face of their infamy. As H3 Leadership and my resulting introspection have taught me, resolutions require that habits are formed. Establishing habits necessitates that tough decisions are made. I’ve learned that challenges are always inevitable with any renovation of the mind, body, or spirit. Expecting those challenges and giving yourself time to reflect on the renovation process helps you hone in on the habits that can bring your resolutions to life.

It’s during times of trial and triumph that we can really connect with those we lead. Take intentional steps in your leadership practices to be genuine, authentic, and open by sharing in departmental and personal struggles while also admitting when you’ve made a mistake. As renewed leaders, we must recognize that it is not about us but instead about others and the institution.

I believe that as we continue our renewed recreation journey, we must carry faith with us. We each stand on the precipice of our next great adventure. I encourage you to approach the current crossroads understanding that your journey has molded you into the leader you are today. I also encourage you to hold out hope for the renewed life that is still to come. Through introspection, faith in the future, and a humble heart, I know we will each discover the light that illuminates our path, the calling that drives our life, and the purpose behind our passions.