Living with more courage, developing mental toughness, and building strength of character are 3 areas of importance to me as a leader. That is why I chose 2 women whose lives replicate these 3 traits something fierce.
After meeting with both an Educator and a Spiritual Life Coach I gathered that I needed to elevate my risk taking over the security that I had surrounded myself by with my familiar world. Sure I have maintained my priorities professionally … but… I was …comfortable… or… stuck. I knew I needed more confidence and courage to take those next bold steps to liberate my true human potential. And that’s where we began….
I will start w a few lessons from thee’ educator …
In order to develop mental toughness I had to “Master My Mind”-
• By exchanging undesirable thoughts immediately with uplifting ones.
- The quality of life is determined by the quality of my thoughts.
• By being intentional and speaking good life bearing scripts.
- Manifesting my destiny by what comes out of my mouth.
• Renewing my mind and Embracing silence.
- This will rekindle my drive and energy for living.
Peace is Power-
• In order to be my very best I would have to always operate out of a peaceful restful spirit. When you lose your peace you lose your power.
• Note to self. Do not let others steal my peace or I will not function well as a leader. Guard and maintain my peace.
Maintain a Grateful/Thankful Heart –
• Any time you get in a rut, get your pen out and start writing out all of your blessings. I journaled several pages of blessings. I have so much to be thankful for.
• Be Better not Bitter- I was reminded me that in order to lead well we must live in thanksgiving and keep a grateful heart so people will see something different in us and WANT to follow us.
• Be thankful for everything – Yes… Even for the bad things that happen. There is a greater good that will come out of everything. Embrace problems as gifts from God… they will draw you closer to him.
Busyness is not Effectiveness-
• We went over the fact that just because you are busy does not mean you are being effective. We spoke about disciplining short term so the long term pays off. Going over your plan and working it so your plan doesn’t work you. Staying focused on the prize.
Most Importantly - Selflessly Serve others In the Community and Beyond-
• Continue to Live to Give. Living is Giving
• Cultivate rich relationships- By serving – People will tell you what they need (You have to be listening though).
• Keep your eyes open to whom you can serve.
Do the things you fear- Fear is nothing more than a mental monster we create… Have Faith-
• Do something every day that takes you out of your comfort zone.
• Push beyond the discomfort so you can overcome and have victory.
In summary the time I have spent with the educator is such a privilege and a pleasure. She invests in you. You are better for knowing her. She stretches you, challenges you, cherishes you, values you and most of all believes in you. What she has taught me has helped shape me in to a better leader.
The second mentor I met with has always led by example. Her ability to “Just Be” is something my soul craves. As we began our meeting she said “In this space we have all of the time that we need”. She was so comfortable in her skin and just radiated joy, peace, kindness and most of all… She Was Present.
One of the things that really stuck w me when I met w the spiritual life coach was this... She said the first part of our lives is more “Who am I?” … “What do people think of me?” and the 2nd part of our lives is more of... “Who am I becoming?” … I, being at the 2nd part understood what she meant and it really hit a chord w/ me. I have this passion in me to “become more”… She explained that you have to empty yourself of what people think of you and fill yourself w a new quiet confidence that is rooted in Jesus. Being the restless wanderer that I can sometimes be that statement of a quiet confidence really resonated with me.
The spiritual life coach reminded me of the strength and courage we have daily in His promises and that I should always cling to those promises as I cultivate a deep sense of faith in my abilities. At one point in our meeting she reminded me that we are commanded day and night to meditate –and are called ONLY to be strong and courageous. Wow. We are “Called” ONLY to BE…”strong and courageous”... I am owning that.
In closing I asked her what she thought was thee most valuable leadership trait one could possess.
“A leader who is fully present... Being present is critical” she said.
As a leader, I want people to know that they matter, know that they are valued, and be able to have them rest in my presence, KNOWING THAT I AM FULLY PRESENT. After spending time w these 2 women of the utmost integrity I pray that some of their values and strengthens have rubbed off on me.