Manipulate Your Own Mind

The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven. ~ John Milton ~

You can be your worst enemy when it comes to your mind!  Try, instead, to be an ally to yourself.  Take the time to manipulate your own head.  Decide now if you want to enjoy being a leader or if it is a burden.  It's all up to you and how you want to think about it.  If you are not happy with your chosen path, take a moment to reflect. If you have decided that it will be awful, then you will find every reason to make yourself right. However, if you don't want to live in negativity, can you simply make it better by thinking it?  Perhaps - but only if you believe you can and only if you want to do it.  As a leader, it's up to you to set the tone for others.  They are watching you for cues.  What you do they do, so set a great example.  You have the ability.

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 decide right now to find enjoyment in my journey as a leader."

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.”