We often ask this question casually of our teams and peers, but how often do we ask ourselves? If you’re like many leaders, probably not very often.

There’s just too much to do, too many people counting on us, and not enough time to check in with ourselves. Yet, making time for self-reflection is a true power move. In the realm of Conscious Leadership, we do this by identifying “where you are at” in an exercise called “above the line” or “below the line.”

Above the Line

When we’re “above the line,” we are open, curious, and present. We operate from a place of choice and empowerment; what we call a “by me” state of mind.

Below the Line

In contrast, being “below the line” means we are closed off, convinced we’re right, and stuck in a world of “shoulds,” overwhelm, and possibly some blame. We may gossip or shift responsibility onto others. This is what we call operating in a “to me” mindset.

It’s normal to spend most of our time below the line. The goal isn’t to always stay above it—it’s to get better at recognizing where you are so you can consciously choose your next step.

What if You’re Below the Line?

So, let’s say you checked in with yourself and realize you’re below the line. You are operating from that “to me” mindset. What next?

Understanding Your Feelings

One way to start is to tune in to how you feel. For many leaders, emotions can be tough to acknowledge or identify. After all, who has the time? But feelings are valuable data that reveal what’s really going on. Consider these examples:

• Sadness: What needs to be let go of?
• Anger: What needs to stop, change, or end?
• Fear: What needs to come into focus?

Shifting Consciously

After figuring out how you feel, you still may decide that today’s not the day to make a shift—and that’s perfectly fine. If you’re not fully committed, any effort to move above the line likely won’t work. Stay below for now and reassess tomorrow.

Or, if you’re ready to shift, use the insights you’ve gathered to consciously decide on your next move.

Either way, you’re leading consciously—a true leadership power move. Turning the simple “how are you today?” question inward helps us unlock valuable insights and lead from a more conscious, intentional place.