The Baggage We Carry

When we travel, we decide what items to pack based on the needs of the journey. Physical luggage is typically finite: it has a set size and a defined capacity. Once packed, we know exactly what we have chosen to carry, and we can adjust or lighten the load as needed before embarking on our journey. If the baggage becomes too heavy or unmanageable, we might repack or leave certain things behind.

Emotional baggage, on the other hand, is far less defined. It consists of psychological and emotional burdens that we carry with us, often without fully realizing their weight. Emotional baggage includes past traumas, unresolved conflicts, guilt, shame, fear, and other feelings that shape our thoughts, decisions, and interactions. Unlike physical luggage, emotional baggage is not always easy to identify or assess. It can manifest in various ways, such as anxiety and reactivity, which may not always be within our conscious control.

The Resilient Leader is one who has learned to watch for subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) signs of reactivity in her/himself – and in the organization s/he leads. (RL 2.0, p. 7)

Physical luggage can be an inconvenience when traveling, especially when it becomes too heavy or cumbersome. Likewise, emotional baggage can significantly impede us, affecting our ability to lead because it weighs heavily on our thoughts, actions, and relationships. Leaders are often triggered to respond in an automatic and reactive way. Unlike physical luggage, emotional baggage is not always easily managed or repacked; it requires introspection, self-awareness, and sometimes professional help to address its impact.

Emerging studies of neuroplasticity have shown that when an individual is sufficiently motivated and is in touch with the right resources and has a robust support system, it is both possible and likely that they can re-wire their brain and develop more appropriate and more effective leadership competencies and behaviors. (RL 2.0 Revised and Expanded, p. 258)

When we travel, the act of packing and repacking symbolizes our ability to adjust and reassess our needs. The process of letting go of unnecessary items is one that allows us to travel more efficiently, making room for new experiences along the way.

My learning with Resilient Leadership helped me become a happier traveler as a self-differentiated leader. As a coach, I have been able to help clients become more aware of the baggage they carry and how to unpack their automatic responses and triggers. Both physical and emotional baggage can be heavy. Both require conscious effort to manage or release what is no longer serving us. Just as we can adjust our physical luggage to make our travels more comfortable, resilient leaders can also learn to alleviate emotional baggage. Our leadership journey, like any trip, can be easier and more fulfilling when we learn to recognize emotional baggage and make space for new experiences and growth.

Happy Travels!