To start out, I want to mention the excellent video [down below] from Simon Sinek. He is an author, speaker, and consultant who writes on leadership and management. This is the second video I post on his talk, and I encourage you to watch it.
In a nut shell, he demonstrates that when you find your "why" in life (why do you work, why do you sell a specific product, why do you have certain habits, etc.) you are able to live a greater fulfilled life. He outlines various other aspects, such as patience, breaking the rules, and training your mind, that are important in your pursue of finding our your "why". There is no easy way to get to your "why". You have to transverse various apparent "obstacles" in your undressing of your "why".
To summarize his ten rules for success, I will use my three life goals:
(1) To be good: Only being being good (taking accountability for your actions, being patient with yourself and others, and being authentic) can you truly feel this little thing in your chest that tells you how happy you are to be living in the moment. Having a clear conscience and knowing you have tried your best are some of the greatest feelings in the world.
(2) To be useful: Break the rules! How else are you going to come up with creative and innovative ideas that help humanity? Your workers? Your family? Train your mind all the time to learn more, so that you can do more for yourself and others. Always strive to outdo yourself, because it is only when we strive to become something greater than ourselves that we are able to grow and do something.
(3) Be grateful: Find your passion. Be grateful when you have found something that burns your heart, because many people go through life like a ghost, never knowing themselves. Find your "why" and appreciate it. Be grateful for where you are at the moment, for what you have and with whom you are with, while always striving to see the best in your next move.
So, how can all of these help us define leadership?
Leadership is a state that requires self-actualization and an eagerness to improve (yourself and others!). When you find yourself in the presence of a great leader, you feel it. Why?
Because he exudes the traits of being good, always striving to be patient and understanding of his followers, while at the same time being authentic. He exudes traits of being useful, always trying new ideas (and listening to others's ideas) to create something - not only for profit - that will have a connection with people. He exudes traits of gratefulness, always moving people forward (maybe with some constructive criticisms here and there) with the best intentions in mind, knowing that where he is at the moment is an important step for his next big move.
We can all be leaders in our lives. We can all be successful in our lives. But it is not going to be easy. It is a hard and never ending process of continuous learning and improvement.
You can be a leader in your family, with your friends, or at work. There is no little task that is unworthy of appreciation. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said in your poem, "to know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived - that is to have success".
I hope you guys have a great week! Strive to always be good, useful, and grateful! I am looking forward to sharing two songs with you this week (I feel you'll like them! I feel the success! :)
Be strong, be unique, and step outside of your comfort zone!