Showing posts with label courageous. Show all posts
Showing posts with label courageous. Show all posts

March 13, 2015

Are You A Leader?


READY  Become the kind of leader that people would follow voluntarily; even if you had no title or position.”  ~ Brian Tracy

AIM… Are you a leader?  It’s an interesting question.  Some folks might answer immediately with yes or no.  Other folks may need to ponder that answer due to the situations they’ve encountered in life.  

I attended two days of intensive training with my executive team at work this week, and one of the exercises involved sharing the characteristics of the person who has had the most influence on you (not including your family members.)  Here are the results:  

mentor, caring, approachable, motivational, responsible, encouraging, consistent, passionate, structured, sacrifice, teacher, integrity, good listener, instrumental, helpful, not afraid to get dirty, provides accountability, honest, character, dedicated, empathetic, courageous.”

The end result was the observation that all those influential people were leaders to each one of us in one way or another, whether they were teachers, coaches, friends, bosses, co-workers, advisors, etc.  I think you’d probably agree with that list and might even have a few more to add yourself. 

The characteristics that the people in our lives need most from us at home, at work, on the field, at church and at your social events are in that list above.  Take a moment to reread that list of characteristics and ask yourself, “Are you a leader?”  Why are (or aren’t) you giving people what they deserve; the very best version of you, their leader?  A good thought to evaluate as you continue to target excellence in all areas of your life.

FIRE!  As you reviewed the list of good leader characteristics, choose one in which you feel you need improvement.  Take the time to foster growth in that area by finding resources online, in a new book or ask YOUR most influential person to give your pointers and tips on being an excellent leader.

Be Excellent!
Lori

April 17, 2012

Being Strong

READY… “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

AIM… It’s such a popular mantra, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” If that statement is true, how much is too much? Where do you draw the line? You know what they say, “No pain no gain.” (Who are ‘they’ anyway?) I suppose the pain depends a lot on the situation you are faced with. Are you talking about your fitness commitment or quitting a bad habit? Perhaps you are referring to a toxic relationship or an uncomfortable work environment? Whatever the case may be, only you can determine when you've hit the limit between healthy and harmful or productive and hurtful. What doesn't kill you may truthfully injure you physically or scar you emotionally or, even worse, leave you beaten down and completely unmotivated. Only you can decide when to draw the line. Only you can decide when you’ve had enough. Only you can determine when you are strong enough to make the change you need. Don’t let the world, or someone else, decide what makes you stronger.

FIRE!   Be courageous and strong this week! Recognize one area in your life where you’ve had enough and you are ready to be done. Find that inner strength to take one step to exercising your strength. Be confident and strong and stick up for yourself!

Be Excellent!
Lori