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."

Leaders Don't Say Impossible

I have learned to use the word impossible with the greatest caution. ~Wernher von Braun~

How many times this week have you used the word impossible or some other worthy synonym?  Do you fling it out there casually as a reason to not take action?  When you do use that word do you challenge yourself?   Not that you need to dwell on things that you might not be able to control but perhaps you are too quick to judge the situation.  Successful leaders will commonly think"difficult" but rarely "impossible."  As a leader, if you use the word impossible on something really important, you will be seen as someone with limited abilities...limited vision.  You certainly won't find someone who wants to follow "it can't happen!"  People want leaders who say, "Let's make it happen!"

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 carefully assess whether it is truly impossible or just plain difficult and attainable."