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Est Read Time - 3:30

I got a new headset for virtual calls last week. Full disclosure, it gives football coach, but surprisingly gave something else too - that same flutter of joy I used to get when I got a fresh Trapper Keeper before school started. Remember that feeling? When a new backpack, lunch box, or a 64-pack of Crayolas was all it took to feel ready to conquer the year?

When did we lose that?

When did simple optimism get replaced by elaborate optimization? Over time, we’ve create this false divide between joy and performance. As if that laugh with a colleague has no connection to the tough meeting you navigate through after. As if your morning workout doesn't directly impact your afternoon problem-solving. 

We're not talking about joy in some Pollyanna way. This is about emotional well-being - and there's real ROI on happiness for your productivity.

Let's be honest. Your Q4 sprint isn't going to be your source of joy - so proactively seek it elsewhere. This isn't about work-life balance. It's about preparing for the sprint with strategic pit stops built in. During an intense season, small moments of joy aren't just nice; they're essential.

Your favorite lunch, a quick text to a friend, thirty seconds of gratitude: these aren't distractions from work. They're what make the work possible.

This week, identify one renewable micro-joy that fuels your work. Mine is listening to this Motown playlist between calls that sparks a few great memories with my parents.

Mission in Motion - Client Spotlight

Over the years, we've had the privilege of working with incredible organizations and their leaders. It's genuinely been a joy seeing the Dilagence mission come to life, translating well-being and performance into lasting impact. 

We're proud to highlight these stories here, beginning with Dr. Tara McAllister of NYU.

How has well-being become part of your performance strategy?

The dots truly connected about well-being and work when I began applying Dilagence principles postpartum while regaining core strength. Over the years I went from struggling to do a sit-up to now being able to do a 9-minute plank. 

But it's much more than fitness - I didn't realize how directly feeling stronger physically translates to tackling challenges in other domains. When the Dilagence newsletter arrives on a tough day, it reminds me that a quick wall sit provides an instant mental reset. OK, we conquered that fitness challenge - now let's ride that momentum into putting out the fires in my inbox.

Any unexpected outcomes?

The thing I love the most is that my daughter gets to see this model of fitness as a source of joy rather than a chore. She watches me working out and laughing and then she plays with her dolls and has them do the same thing.

Your advice for leaders who feel "too busy" for well-being? 

Making movement automatic instead of something to think about was transformative. I'm not always excited to pull out my weights, but I do it on autopilot - and I'm always glad I did.

Beyond individual stories, we've seen the Dilagence mission come to life across organizations of every size. Leaders like Dr. McAllister are part of that larger community we're proud to serve.

Looking Ahead - World Mental Health Awareness Day  

October 10th is World Mental Health Awareness Day. Awareness is easy. Action isn't. 

Reach out if your organization needs programming or a speaker. Or connect us with the person who coordinates these initiatives. We're here to provide your team with tangible tools to manage stress, recharge, and perform at their best heading into Q4.

Know another team planning an offsite or Q4 initiative that could benefit from Dilagence? Just reply to this email.

Dilagence on the Move 

Upcoming Virtual Event - From Poker to C-Suite : Join this fireside chat with Jenny Just, founder of PEAK6 and Poker Power, and learn how poker can help you build the mindset to lead with confidence, make sharper decisions, and take smarter risks - in work and life. Register here.

Events & Conferences - Let Us Know If You’ll Be in the Area 

• Boston (10/2): The Dinner Group (Dilan Speaking) 

• Dallas (10/2-10/3): BeyondActiv 

• Boston (10/11-10/12 - HBSAAA 50 (Dilan Speaking)

Recent Press:

• NewsNation: Leadership Lessons from Tennis to the Workplace 

• Forbes: Leading with Impact - Sheila Lirio Marcelo, Founder of Care.com & Ohai.ai

Dose of Dilan

What I’m Watching:

Only Murders in the Building. Perfect light-hearted watch and I love how intergenerational the cast is. Also you’d have no idea Steve Martin is 80.

What I’m Packing: 

I’m hitting the road a lot this fall. I keep a travel size version of this with me. Placebo? Probably - but still tricks my brain into thinking the hotel pillow is my home pillow.    

What I’m Eating: 

I like dairy, but dairy doesn’t like me. Discovering this lactose-free ice cream brought me and my stomach a lot of joy.

Thanks for reading, we’re glad you’re on the team. Did something resonate with you today? Reply to let us know.

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