Courage to Lead

Leaders are visionaries with a poorly developed sense of fear and

no concept of the odds against them. ~Robert Jarvik

If you are only looking at the mud in which your foot is stuck, then you will not see the stick that will help you get out.  If you foucus on fear and obstacles, then that is your whole world.  You will be unable to see your success.  Turn your mind to courage and abilities.

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

"I will be courageous and think beyond the obstacles."

Fear Can Make You Stronger

Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles. ~ Alex Karras ~

When was the last time you exercised your courage?  Each fearful moment in life gives you the opportunity to strengthen your courage.   In these moments you have two choices, retreat or advance.   Retreating can give you the chance to review and decide if there is another way, a less risky way.  This can be a good thing but it will not make you stronger.  Advancing, however, builds your courage.  Every time you practice courage it gets stronger. 

It might not feel like it because when you put yourself out there you might get hurt.  But those injuries do not have to mean that you can't courageous again.  They don't have to be fatal, it depends on how important it is to continue moving forward.  As a leader, you set an strong example if you venture on despite the wounds, despite the fear...despite the "what ifs" - sometimes that is just what you have to do - to become stronger.

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 strengthen my spirit by being courageous.

Choose Inspiration Over Manipulation

"Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower ~

Motivating other people is part manipulation and part inspiration.  Which one would you rather practice?  Inspiration?  No doubt.  However, have you assessed your behavior lately? How much of your time is spent as a motivator and how much is spent as an inspirer?  Be brutally honest.   No one is in your head right now.  If you answer manipulator more than 20% of your time, you will need to revisit your values.  Don’t make excuses about why you practice manipulation over inspiration.  The first reaction might be to justify your behavior.  Stop.  The second reaction could be guilt or regret.  Stop.  If you are a victim, you are not a leader.

To begin to flip manipulation into inspiration review your values.  Are your behaviors in alignment with your principles?  Next, what is your agenda?  Is it about you or them? Do you feel confident or fearful?  How well do you know the people you lead?  Have you taken the time to know what matters to them?

As a leader, you must operate within your values system.  If you are fearful, act courageous.  Get to know others sincerely and have faith in them.  Lead from the heart and you will be an inspiration.

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 choose to lead with inspiration.”