Each person carved into Mount Rushmore played a significant role in the development of our country. I don’t expect that they will be adding anyone soon, nor do I think that any of these gentlemen ever imagined that they would be recognized in such an honorable manner either. Nevertheless, we should ask ourselves—are we doing those things that are the best for those whom we serve, be it the country, our business, or even our family?
I remember when Dennis Rodman was a big thing in the NBA. He was a very talented individual. Lots of kids idolized him. The problem was that he wasn’t the best off-the-court example. He would say that he didn’t ask to be anybody’s idol. While that may be true, those impressionable minds were watching. If you are a parent, you know how much they are watching. And even when the kids turn into teenagers, and they don’t appear to be watching—they are. More than ever. And your model is more important than ever!
Are you a leader? If you have any connection with any other people where they may see or hear you, then you are a leader. If you are a parent, you are a leader. If you work with others, you are a leader. If you are involved in activities or clubs, you are a leader. Leadership is influence. Anytime someone might be able to watch what you do, and then model you, you are a leader. And the scary part is you might teach someone the wrong thing! No worries—rarely does someone learn it all at once. There’s plenty of time to fine-tune the small stuff.
We learn through many different methods. We get better with practice. We improve even more by teaching. It is the accumulated repetitions that ingrain the activity into a habit that sinks into our high-potential mind. We’ve heard the phrase “Practice makes perfect.” That’s not entirely true. We can do the wrong thing and develop it into a habit. Therefore, “Perfect practice makes perfect.”
What is our potential? We all know that we are capable of far more than we let ourselves do or even just try! Do you want to get better at something? Do you really want to get better? Then don’t just try. As Yoda would say in the old Star Wars movie, “There is no try. There is only do or do not.” If that is true, then why not decide what a 10× goal would be? Does that seem too much? Is that aiming too high? So what? So what if you fall short? So what if you only make 7× or only 5×? That is way better than the 1× or 2× that was the original target.
Remember this inspirational quote from Joe Sabah: “You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great.” Lead from where you are today! Grow better every day! Want help getting there faster? Contact Leadership Harbor. Kris and Brian would love to grow with you!
Have a masterful day! And may the force be with you!