Do Something…Anything

Fake it till you become it.  ~ Amy Cuddy ~

Some days you just don't feel it.  Try.  Try, anyway.  Even if it's just a little effort, don't slack off.  Be honest with yourself and then lie to yourself.  Tell yourself that you are engaged -  just do something because people are counting on you.  You can have an off day - just don't show it to the world.  Have a confidant because you might need someone to vent to but leave it at that and go change the world...even if you don't feel like it today.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

"I make myself feel more engaged."

Be A Student

“When you listen, it's amazing what you can learn. When you act on what you've learned, it's amazing what you can change." ~ Audrey McLaughlin ~

No matter your education and no matter your experience, you should always be open to learning.  As much as you know, you can always know more - because, quite simply, you don't know everything.  And that's OK.  More than OK. It's awesome.  How do you learn? By listening to everyone you meet. Being humble and aware that you can learn at anytime from anyone - will help you be good to yourself and to others.  Imagine this world if everyone took the student view point.  A great leader is only adviser when they are also learners.  Be a student so that you can create, improve and help achieve great things.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

I listen so that I can be a student.

"2nd on the Scene" Can Still Bring Success

The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is. ~C.S. Lewis ~ 

Time will not stand still while you watch others pursuing your dream.  You do not have to be first to be relevant or important.  Sometimes the first person on the scene is the first person who leaves.  You have gifts to give and as long as you move forward, it doesn't matter that someone else did it first.  What is important is that you move forward with your purpose.  You are unique and will bring a new perspective or new innovation to that which you pursue.  Great leaders look for solutions that are already out there and need cultivating.  There are no single ideas, yet at the same time, there are twists to all great inventions.  What is your unique perspective?  Now move forward with passion and change the world.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

I will pursue my unique dream.

Be Realistic About Change

Those who expect moments of change to be comfortable and free of conflict have not learned their history. ~ Joan Wallach Scott ~

Do not assume that everyone will be thrilled with your desire for change.  Change is difficult by nature. As a leader, if you only speak about the great things that will come about with change you will be seen as unrealistic and out of touch.  However,  if you lament that change is bad or hard then your followers will most likely mimic you.  You need not use negative language regarding change or it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.   There are pros and cons to change and it's important to address both.  However, know that your followers will be automatically stressed with change, so don't dwell on the negative and don't gloss the positive.  It's all about balance.  Teach them about mindfulness and they will adapt easier.  They will also be grateful for the tool.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

I will be realistic about change.

Hard Or Just Boring?

We excuse our sloth under the pretext of difficulty. ~ Marcus Fabius Quintilian ~

You have money for the things you really want to buy and you have time for the things that are really important to you.  When you stop to record what you really spend your time doing, you may amaze yourself.  How many times have you thought about the things you want to accomplish only to begin to think of reasons not to finish or even start? Perhaps you haven't worked on it because you aren't very passionate about that project or task. So you make excuses, such as it being to hard.  And why not?  Labeling something as "difficult" is more appealing than "boring."  You think if you tell yourself or others that if something is difficult then it's excusable.  

As a leader, you will have to do things that you really don't want to do.   Some are fun and exciting, some are not.  It might be more fun to clean your bathroom grout with a toothbrush than do some of the many tasks necessary to lead.   Attaining our goals usually means doing some things we don't enjoy doing.  Change the way you look at these mundane tasks.  They are an important component- find joy that you will see the end result and it will make the tasks more likeable - a la Huckleberry Finn!  No more excuses.


"I will find joy and take action in all my tasks."

Lead With Your True Self

He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.  ~Raymond Hull

While it is important to change and grow we must remain authentic to our true selves. Change on the advice and suggestions of others.  At the same time, be careful of who's advice you take and why you are changing.  You can not lead if you lose yourself in the process.  Then, how would you manage your values?  How would you teach what is right?  How would you inspire if you never showed your true colors?  You can't be all things to all people but you can always be you.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

"I will lead with my true self."