LeaderTHRIVE

"Don't allow your emotions to overpower your intelligence"

When you experience something that creates an emotional reaction, focus on taking a moment to absorb the situation before responding immediately.  This will give you time to look at the bigger picture vs. just seeing what is right in front of you.  Many times, the mistakes we make though emotionaly charged decisions can be costly.  

Remember – it’s easy to start off the year fast and motivated… but greatness is highlighted toward the finish line… Finish Strong my friends!       

From my daughter Emma - 

Don’t spend too much time on work.  Enjoy time with your kids, it's important to us.  We don't want to grow up and only remember how much time you spent on your computer or cell phone.  If you have to work at home, let us be apart of it.

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” - John 8:7

We all sin - and to magnify or call out another's sin over yours is hypocrisy.  I encourage you to focus on the positives of others, call attention to the good instead of bashing the bad.  When we talk about or judge others, it says more about who we are than who they are.

“Faith in God includes faith in God’s timing.”

If you are waiting on something today, my encouragement for you is to keep the faith and continue to work… help is on the way… and it will come at the perfect time.  

"The price of inaction is greater than the cost of making a mistake." - Carla Harris

What's holding you back from taking your next step?  We're not going to make the right choice every time we make a decision, but it doesn't mean we aren't growing or learning.  I encourage you to make a decision today and take the initial step on something that has been anchoring you down. 

“Every mistake is an opportunity to learn something new.”

We are all going to make mistakes – daily.  Instead of beating yourself up over it, leverage this as a learning opportunity for yourself and for others.  Don’t be afraid to share your experiences with others… leaders recognize and utilize their experiences to help others... even the painful ones.  

“The only limits in life are the ones you make.” – Kristinna Habashy

What limits have you intentionally or unintentionally created in your life?  What’s one thing you can do today to begin breaking down those limitations? 

Wayne Gretzky once said, “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where is has been.” 

Where are you at today?  Are you chasing the puck or are you waiting for it to come to you?  Are you prepared to do what it takes to get in position?

“Your reaction sets the stage for how others will trust you with their mistakes.”

How do you react when others bring you less than desirable news?  Are you building a culture of secrecy and embarrassment or promoting ownership and transparency?  I encourage you to evaluate how you react to bad news from those you lead.

“If you can’t do anything about it, then let it go.  Don’t be a prisoner to things you can’t change.” - Tony Gaskins

We aren’t doing ourselves any favors by holding onto and stressing about things that we can’t control.  What do you need to let go of today? When we let go of the weights that our holding us down, that’s when we truly begin to live out our higher calling.

“Leadership is about empowering others to achieve things they did not think were possible.” – Simon Sinek

Is your focus on building personal relationships and empowering others?  If not, where is your focus?  What is one thing you can do today to build a relationship and empower someone you lead?

“Life changes when we realize that we don't have to know everything and we don’t have to pretend we do.” - Simon Sinek

Stop trying to be who the world tells you to be.  If you don’t know the answer, it’s ok to be vulnerable and say so… not knowing is NOT a sign of weakness or poor leadership.  I encourage you to practice honesty and transparency in all aspects of life.

“A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back to the crowd.” – Max Lucado

Who are you leading today?  You either look at the orchestra… or you look at the crowd, but you can’t do both.  The more you focus on leading your orchestra, the better the music will sound.

“Stress makes you believe that everything has to happen right now… faith reassures you that everything will happen in accordance with God’s timing and plans.”

Is there something that you are stressing over now that you aren’t fully giving to God?  What’s holding you back from trusting in his timing and plans?  What can you do today in order to let it go and allow God to work? 

“With great power comes great responsibility” - Spiderman

Are you responsible with the power you have?  How are influencing, inspiring and growing those around you?  Influence is power, and I encourage you to take an assessment of how you are using yours.

“A day without laughter is a day wasted” – Charlie Chaplin

When things seem to be spiraling out of control – take a moment to step back and just breath.  Focus on and count your blessings… I promise, they will always outweigh your problems.

“Growth is painful, change is painful, but nothing is as painful as being stuck where you don’t belong.”

Do you enjoy what you do? Are you living out your purpose every single day?  If not, what is stopping you?  I encourage you to spend some time today or this week being honest with yourself. 

“Life is a marathon, not a sprint; pace yourself accordingly” – Amby Burfoot

Are you setting and maintaining the pace for those you lead?    Take a moment today to evaluate your pace in all areas of leadership; home, business, and spirituality… are there any adjustments that you need to make with your pace in life?