One of the great paradoxes of life is explained in Samuel Ullman’s poem YOUTH: “Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind”
Failing to see the paradox that “youth” has another dimension other than time, can cause us to look outward for something that is inside all of us. Many folks live a life unsatisfied in search of the Fountain of Youth and other external solutions.
Instead, consider that:
It is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life.” Samuel Ullman
It’s no wonder that this poem was a favorite of General Douglas MacArthur. He had a framed copy on the wall behind his desk (in his Tokyo office) while serving as the Supreme Allied Commander in Japan. He often quoted the poem in his speeches and read the entire poem at his 75th Birthday Celebration.
I’ve included it here and in my Leader’s Guide (free sign-up gift). I read it often. Nothing helps me maintain focus, perspective, and courage more than this gift from Samuel Ullman. I hope it will inspire you, too.
There are many tips, lists, and tools to help you navigate through life. One tool that I’ve used since its introduction by Tom Peters in 1996, is a PERSONAL BRAND EQUITY EVALUATION. Tom outlines eight simple and thought-provoking questions that you can use to provide clarity on your journey.
The PERSONAL BRAND EQUITY EVALUATION is my #1 navigation tool for assessing my journey through life. I’ve used it since 1996 and update it every 90 days. I also recommend completing and reviewing a PERSONAL BRAND EQUITY EVALUATION every 90 days. Doing so will reduce the chances of stagnation and promote action, intention, clarity, and innovation in your life. It will also promote your connection to others.
A PERSONAL BRAND EQUITY EVALUATION by Tom Peters
I am known for: [2-4 items].
By this time next year, I plan also to be known for [1-2 more things].
My current project [which is:_________] is challenging me in the following [1-3 ways].
New stuff I’ve learned in the last 90 days includes [1-3 things].
Important additions to my Address Book in the last 90 days include [2-4 names].
My public—local/regional/national/global—“visibility program” consists of [2 things].
My principal “resume enhancement activity” for the next 90 days is [1 item].
My resume is discernibly different from last year’s on this date in the following [1-2 ways].
One of the most published articles in history, “A Message to Garcia” (by Elbert Hubbard) highlights several great challenges and lessons of life. There are four key lessons that I would like to discuss: three of those lessons are key points from the author and the fourth is one that will assist you as you LEAD FROM YOUR CURRENT POSITION®
Continue Reading »
Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.”
The co-author of the classic Extraordinary Golf offers an innovative approach to improving the overall game by focusing on putting, which accounts for more than one-third of the strokes in a typical round. Not just a tips-and-techniques book, Extraordinary Putting features a series of illustrated exercises that will help golfers:
– Develop the inner freedom to trust themselves and recognize self-imposed barriers
– Find the peace of mind that comes from letting go of mental chatter and self-judgments
– Increase awareness, allowing golfers to pay attention to their experiences
– Understand the differences in those experiences from stroke to stroke – Master the art of self-coaching
To begin to answer that question, many start out by trying to define leadership. Is it:
the position or function of a leader?
to provide purpose, direction, and motivation?
influence?
setting the example?
having followers?
having certain characteristics?
to accomplish organizational objectives?
etc. etc. etc.?
Google it
We might even start by googling leadership. If you do that, you’ll receive 5.6+ billion results. Additionally, you’ll discover that experts have tallied over 1500+ leadership definitions, over 40+ leadership theories, and numerous styles, historical views, and myths. All of this only seems to complicate the issue of the true nature of leadership.
I’m always surprised by the answers I get when I ask someone “What is the nature, definition, or purpose of leadership?”… as well as how hard it seems to be to answer the question. Any one of those three variants seems to stop people dead in their tracks… every time. After a very long pause, I usually get one of the examples I used above.
Leadership Re-imagined, Simplified, and Re-defined
I’d like to suggest a way to simply leadership so that we can all do it more easily and more naturally. So, here’s my attempt:
Leadership is contributing to an environment where others flourish.
Continue Reading »
I cannot do
All the good
That the world
Needs
But the world
Needs all the good
That I can do.”
I’m perpetually inspired by this beautiful, poised, and wise two-time World Champion Ballerina who, while 15 years old at the time of this presentation, has a great message for us all…
Please join me as I start a new conversation on a vital subject: Leadership. It is a subject that is as old as mankind and needs to be re-imagined for the 21st Century… particularly since we are 24 years into it.
I will also be posting about my core values (ACTION, PASSION, LEADERSHIP, and LEARNING) and interests (Golf, Photography, Fountain Pens, Everyday Carry, and Reading, etc).
I look forward to sharing, learning, and growing so that you can LEAD FROM YOUR CURRENT POSITION®… and that means everyone; no one left out!
You must be logged in to post a comment.