“We get into these human bodies so that we can create things. But as long as we are treating people like cogs to be optimized, they will not. The human spirit will backlash against that,” said Tara Nicholle Kirke, Author, Entrepreneur and Spiritual Strategist.
We’re trapped in a busy culture that’s inconsistent with real productivity or creativity. In certain fields, like art or scientific discovery, it’s understood that environment matters. And great results probably won’t happen quickly without time for iteration. But most workers aren’t treated like that. So, we’re not encouraged to build these habits for ourselves. Which require both internal work and a welcoming external climate. So how can we start to get it right?
Craving Better is Natural
Five years ago, Tara published a book about human transformation and how brands can positively impact that shift. “There is this group of people I call Transformational Consumers. They have figured out that they can impact their own health, wealth and wisdom. And they’re going to need more and more guidance, mentorship and tools for that journey.”
In the book, she previewed this human need seeping into the workplace. “Chapter nine was like, oh by the way most of your employees, are now transformational consumers. So, pay attention to that. Because if your workplace is jacking their health, wealth or wisdom endeavors or aspirations, they’re going to be out.”
And Work Can’t ‘Stop’ Evolution of the Human Spirit
Why yes. Tara said, “Fast forward five years. The ‘great resignation’ was the most predictable shift ever to me as a metaphysician. And I’m optimistic! Disintegration has to happen, for new things to be created.” But how do we shift the way we work, away from this obsession with hours?
Especially while working for employers who cling to post-industrial norms. She said, “The way we work needs a new soulful, human vision and that’s kind of what we’re working on. I care about creation, and I don’t call what I do productivity.”
We Need the Right Culture
Tara calls it fruitfulness. And it’s contingent upon workplace change. “To realize the full potential from people that are in the room, leaders are going to have to dive deep into what it means to create culture. Usually it’s done with some policies, a couple of gatherings and lots of emails.” Sigh.
She added, “But what’s beautiful is there are whole bodies of work around what it means to create a culture, right? Cultures have things that they hold sacred, symbols, stories, and calendars. It’s not something I see too much accountability for in companies.” Which leaves many workers, feeling frustrated, disengaged and adrift from their purpose.
To Champion Wellness
Most workplaces still rely on overwork to function. And despite the mental health crisis and chronic burnout, they reward behaviors that lead to it. Tara said, “Fortunately, there are road maps for how to build a culture from anthropology. And humans have been building cultures forever. It’s like the oldest thing we’ve ever had! So, leaders have to operate both on this very granular, how can I help this human being in their everyday life right now? And the very big picture, what is the vision for the culture and like how can we create it?” Yes. Where can we begin?
And Room for Daily Rituals that Support it
Tara believes personal transformation, takes root in the daily routines you hold sacred. “We need daily rituals that help us take the pause. And tap back into our natural strengths and powers. So, providing rituals or the resources to have access to daily ritual, helps slow it all down. And in the workplace, gives people the real deep permission, to think at the pace that people really think.”
That space doesn’t exist in back-to-back meeting culture. Because wellness isn’t just a self-care day here and there. She said, “I don’t know many employers who can directly be a resource for that. But they can bring someone in, carve the time and space out for it and begin to normalize it.” And teach their managers how to deliver on that promise.
So, Be Open to Nurturing the Right Strategy
Few people or organizations have it all figured out. So, being open to a new way of being is key. She said, “I tell organizations that, the right strategy already exists in the mind of somebody there. So, your job as a leader is to create a culture where you can evoke the best from the people you already have. To get the right strategy out of them and get it executed.” Most company cultures don’t do that that. She added, “Companies may get there but they’re going to have to do some daring shit.”
And Movement Towards Wholeness
Tara said, “Businesses should be in service of life. It is the servant, not the master. That’s something this culture has gotten very backwards. You need people to stay in their zones of genius. People who have vision and people who are genius at executing. And as individuals, we need the space to understand what our zone of genius is. And how to stay there. So, the work culture should be, how do we get each person to spend more time in their zone of genius?” It takes courage to demand this for ourselves. And psychological safety with leaders, colleagues or clients, we trust.
Whatever breakthrough you’re moving towards in your life. Whether it’s for your wellbeing, career or company, start with embracing new routines. Rituals that give you room for reflection and wellness. And being in those environments, at work or home, that support you.
Many thanks to my fabulous coach, the talented Tara-Nicholle Kirke!
Learn more about Soul Tour and the amazing UPGRADE retreat with Tara in October. Follow her great adventure on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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About Țara:
Tara-Nicholle Kirke, MA, Esq. is the Self-Mastery Guide and spiritual strategist we need for these times. A writer, entrepreneur and New Thought Teacher, Tara helps smart, successful people start doing their dreams by undoing their self-sabotage patterns.
She specializes in helping people heal their Inner Critic thought habits so they can reach their full potential and do their callings before they die. A recovering attorney and the former CMO of MyFitnessPal and Ten Percent Happier, Tara wrote the authoritative book on transformational business. It’s called The Transformational Consumer: Fuel a Lifelong Love Affair with Your Customers by Helping Them Get Healthier, Wealthier and Wiser (Berrett-Koehler, 2017).
As the Founder and CEO of SoulTour, Tara has guided over 50,000 people to stop hiding their light and holding themselves back with her Spiritual Strategy toolkit of rituals, practices and frameworks from neurobiology, depth psychology and spiritual law (aka: The House Rules of the Universe.)
Tags: daily habits for healthier work, healthy work cultures, psychological safety at work, sustainable work practices, work/life balance for parents, Working Moms