What results in our lives do we intentionally plan to take place?
Results are going to occur in our lives as a result of the choices that we make. What are the opportunities that are before us and how will these outcomes impact my ability to obtain optimal success. Most people that I talk to have the desire to be successful. But as I coach them we discover that their behavior does not line up with their intentions.
The very essence of empowerment is to see a vision, develop a plan and then move everything in your life to align with the desired end results. When I say everything I am including your attitudes, professional and personal relationships, financial decisions, time management, spiritual disciplines, physical exercise, dietary decisions and anything else that you can think of.
We are surrounded by challenges and choices on a daily basis but, this does not have to be bad news. Once we have determined that the path that we are on will not allow us to reach the results that we desire we can attack in any direction! It becomes more a question of whether we are the kinds of persons who make things happen or who let things happen.
Some people say that the results we obtain for ourselves are a product of our life events, attitudes, beliefs, feelings, personality and behaviors. Attitudes plus beliefs equals feelings, which leads to values. Values are beliefs that produce behavior and our behaviors, produces results (or not).
We are principally responsible for the results that occur in our lives. This probably makes sense to most of us, except for life events, which may not be under our control, all of the other elements come from inside of us. Results are heavily influenced by what we value deeply and the behaviors which we choose because of what we believe. .
As men and women who have chosen to be Nu-Generation leaders we have also chosen to be accountable for our personal leadership. If we are not able to take control of our lives it will be difficult to lead others into a journey of discipleship, transformation and empowerment.
It all begins with a personal Mission, Vision and Values Statement. This should be the one document that you can return to and it will keep you focused and moving in the right direction. Your vision should be clear and detailed. Your mission should be compelling and your values should be unshakable. To move into taking control of your personal leadership here are some suggestions to assist you in moving to the next level
Be clear about your current situation. Evaluate the good and the bad in your life. Ask close friends and family about their perceptions of your current situation. Take the answers as fuel for the journey. You will become frustrated and immovable if you take things personally.
Assess the resources that are available to you as you are preparing to move forward. Financial resources, educational resources, physical resources, intellectual resources and time based on your current condition should all be placed on a spreadsheet and available as you engage the planning process.
Find a time to pray meditate and plan this is away from your everyday routine. You may be able to spend an hour a week in the park, or a weekend at a retreat center. The key is to get out of your comfort zone and to consecrate and dedicate the time that you are spending.
When you finalize your personal vision, mission and values statement, share it with 2-3 people in your inner circle who are willing to review it with you 2-3 times a year and give you an honest evaluation,
Be clear about what the desired result is; it’s the only way to stay focused on doing the right things to produce it. The process Don’t forget too, that sometimes the desired result may not be something that needs to done, but some things that need to be avoided.
Be prepared to commit yourself to the desired result. Most results will involve some degree of effort to achieve. It will depend on your commitment whether the required effort can be found for as long as it takes to succeed.
Do it!
One to Remember
“Where there is no vision there is no hope.
George Washington Carver
Making Disciples in an Emerging Culture 