Robin Sharma reveals 5 rules to lead in tough times

Life is full of challenges and storms hit everyone - business crashes, health scares, global chaos. But leadership guru Robin Sharma says it is these tough times that reveal true leaders. After all, it is often said that your attitude determines your altitude, and rightly so. So, here we list Robin Sharma's 5 rules to lead in tough times, as shared on social media:

Tough times crush optimism. And so, Robin Sharma says that in such times one should immerse themselves into reading wise and inspiring books that will help change the way you see the world around you. Also, books acts as leadership mentors and they cheaper than coaches! So make it a ritual to read a couple of pages with your morning coffee daily and see how this simple habit shifts your mindset-- from despair to hope.

Robin Sharma has often been an advocate of waking up at 5 AM-- that's a habit commonly seen in many successful people across the world who utilise this time to workout. And it is specially important for people who are going through a tough time. Explaining the importance of waking up early and working out at 5AM, Robin Sharma wrote, "it fireproofs your focus and reduces stress". And rightly so, as chaos demands clarity - and exercise helps you stay focussed.

Catastrophe often blindsides us, and so Sharma tells people to keep looking for opportunities to stay positive in tough times. Every crisis hides glimmers: Layoffs birth startups, pandemics spawn e-commerce. So, follow the WTOH ritual: Journal three hidden upsides daily. Instead of being bogged down by negativity, reframe your mindset and look for glimmers instead. Remember, opportunity blindness creates victims whereas glimmer hunters build empires.

Recessions crown leaders - when competitors cower, innovate wildly. Sharma: "Safe players lose; bold creators win." 2008 crash? Amazon doubled down. Action bias: Launch products, help communities, solve painful problems. Daily serve: Free webinar, customer calls, social value bombs. Service generates cashflow + loyalty. Mindset shift: Fear whispers "protect"; leadership screams "advance." History's giants built during darkness (Disney born in Depression). Your edge: Empty competitor roads = clear path. Track inventions weekly - momentum snowballs. While others freeze, your serving streak creates unbreakable moats.

"Stay grateful," says Robin Sharma. Tough times feel eternal, but Sharma's ancient mantra helps reset one's perspective. Practise gratitude ritual daily: it can be something as simple as counting 5 wins of the day (eve the smallest ones count like: spending quality time with family, a kind text, having a loving partner).
A 2017 study shows that practising gratitude meditation for 8-weeks showed decreased amygdala activation (the fear center of the brain) to positive images.