I’m tired of seeing honest, hard-working, and creative professionals struggle. It’s the main reason I’m so passionate about the work I do.

My girlfriend and I are in the middle of purchasing a new home in Zurich. As with most property purchases, it’s a process that has consumed us for a number of months.

It requires constant back and forth, with many moving pieces, involving many third parties such as banks and agents. There’s a seemingly endless list of considerations and things that need to get done.

We are due to complete the lengthy process in a few weeks and will move in to our new home shortly after. We are excited to get the keys and sleep in our new home. Equally, we will be grateful for it to be over.

If you’ve ever been through the emotional rollercoaster of a home purchase, you can probably relate. The ‘dream picture’ in front of your new home is unlikely to tell the full story.

Recently, we agreed on a date that we would officially move in. We have hired a moving company to help transport our furniture. We feel somewhat organised.

From experience, I know that moving day can be a stressful day. The nomadic and transient existence our ancient ancestors enjoyed has slowly outgrown us.

Today, we are creatures who long for the comfort and perceived safety of the place we call home. It’s the place where we lay our heads and feel most relaxed. Being in-between homes is a taxing experience for the modern human.

The Success Conundrum

My girlfriend, who is a successful business owner, recently told me that she needs to travel for work the day before we have scheduled to move home. The flight she had looked at wouldn’t bring her home until late in the evening.

This raised an immediate red flag for me. I asked if there was an earlier flight. There is, but it would mean that she would miss the final hour of her meeting.

We discussed this further. My girlfriend has a gigantic heart. She is passionate about her work and 100% committed to fulfilling the requirements of her job. She is the chair of the meeting and leaving early does not sit right with her. It goes against her character, her core beliefs, and the kind of commitment that has brought her success.

When probing a little deeper, I discovered that she is nervous about the damage that might transpire when she is no longer present at the meeting. She has worked hard to implement processes that challenge the status quo. She is concerned that without her the team might default to what they know, or that saboteurs might try to exploit her absence.

I suggested that the need for her to return home earlier, provided a great opportunity to let go and trust that the team would deliver. And, even if they go astray, setting an expectation that you always need to be present is a sure road to burnout, or worse.

The Challenge

Elite performers and entrepreneurs are navigating multiple priorities at any given time. The demands of your work sometimes conflicts with your personal ambitions. And you often struggle to let go of projects that you have poured so much energy into.

Being a leader can be a lonely experience. Very few people can relate to or understand the unique challenges that you experience. You’re expected to exude confidence, create inspired visions, and communicate with clarity, when sometimes you feel none of those things.

Taking on the biggest challenges of today requires an abundance of courage. There is danger lurking all around you.

Your nomadic ancestors had to overcome predators that were literally out to kill them. Today, your enemies want to steal your customers, take your job from you, or attack your character.

It’s important that you have access to a trusted group who you can feel safe around. A place where you can be honest and share your insecurities, your fears, and your self-doubt. A group who can relate to your experiences because they often feel the same.