What if this is the last time?
Love it or hate it, change is one of life’s few certainties. Yet how we respond to change is anything but certain—it’s deeply personal and influenced by our perspectives and emotions, both in individuals and in organizations. It is in such times of upheaval that leaders are often called upon to provide direction and act with decisive resolve.
One of the principles of Resilient Leadership is to lead with conviction: “to act boldly, take clear stands, and be willing to take risks (even when it makes you vulnerable to failure and ridicule) for the sake of preserving core values and creating a future you care about.” But maintaining this conviction can be incredibly challenging when anxiety is present.
Taking bold action requires great courage, which may be in short supply when the organizational or social environment around us is one where anxiety breeds caution and strong signals to play it safe. As a leader, staying connected to your team also makes you vulnerable to absorbing some of this anxiety making it difficult to stay calm and stay the course. When surrounded by fear and uncertainty, taking bold action feels like pushing against the tide.
At these times, a single, galvanizing question can help cut through the fog:
What if this is my last time to do this?
At first blush, this question might spark some discomfort, perhaps even panic: “Wait, I’m not ready for this to be the last time!” But when approached with openness and curiosity, it invites a shift in perspective and might feel like stepping into a vast, timeless space.
The question pulls us into the present moment, which is really the only time we have. The past is behind us, the future lies ahead, but the here and now is where life is happening; those small increments from this moment to the next and the next. Consider your situation from this perspective and notice what changes. What is most important? Will you hold back, or will you go all in? When all you have is the present moment, what do you really have to lose?
This mindset may not always feel practical in the real world, in fact, it would be virtually impossible for us to operate from this perspective 24x7. Yet its power lies in clarifying what matters most. Stripped of past regrets and future fears, what remains is what matters most, what is of the highest value.
Ultimately, this bold question can act as a compass for navigating the uncharted waters of change. It challenges leaders to transcend fear and hesitation by anchoring them in the present moment, where actions to provide clarity, courage, and conviction reside. With this perspective, leaders can reimagine their roles and see themselves not only as decision-makers but as architects of meaning and stewards of what matters. Cutting through the noise and chaos, this question highlights what is of value, empowering leaders to take purposeful action, even when faced with uncertainty.
In times of change, leading with conviction is not about having all the answers but about asking the right questions to inspire confidence and spark momentum. So, the next time you find yourself at a crossroads, ask yourself: What if this is the last time? And then, lead as though it is.