Be a Heart Forward
Business Owner and Leader
One word to change your life - Ubuntu
A few weeks back, while discussing weekend plans with my good friend and fellow fitness entrepreneur Dr. Heather McGill of Physical TheraPT, she recommended that I watch the new Netflix Series 'The Playbook' and specifically the episode featuring NBA coach Doc Rivers. Her advice and this episode could not have been more perfect for what I needed to hear as we navigate through the extreme challenges of 2020 and lead DIAKADI into the demanding year ahead.
After watching this powerful episode, I learned a new life philosophy that I will carry with me for the rest of my life - 'Ubuntu is a Way of Life'.
Ubuntu, which is often translated as "I am because we are" or "humanity towards others", was originally discussed as a philosophy in South Africa in the 1950's. The philosophy was more widely introduced around the world by Desmond Tutu in the 1980's and Nelson Mandela in the 1990's as the spirit of 'African humanism' and the 'belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity'.
“During the most challenging of times as well as during the best of times, living your life for the betterment of all will raise up every one of us in this world. ‘I am because we are.’ ”
This philosophy could not be more in tune with what everyone of us needs in the world right now. From racial prejudice to our extreme political divisions, we all must be doing everything in our power to bring people together and show 'humanity towards others'.
Personally, I am extremely grateful for the ubuntu spirit shown by the members of our DIAKADI Community that supported us throughout our closure and our trainers that have done everything they can to bring their practice back in to our facility. Without ubuntu, we are simply individuals with no community and no shared love. For every single one of us, it is our responsibility to get out there and 'spread the love' as far and as wide as we can.
Think about any previous boss or leader that you have worked with. If that person did not have any authority over you, would you still choose to follow that person anyway?
If your answer is 'YES', that is an ubuntu leader who most likely leads through kindness, compassion and connection. For all of you that are bosses or leaders out there, are an ubuntu leader?
Now go enjoy the episode. I hope it brings you as much inspiration as it did for me so that you can live your ultimate ubuntu life.
