It is no secret that real leadership starts within the leader. John C. Maxwell has said, “to do more, you have to be more”. He is referring to our character, our values, our thoughts, and our actions.
How often do you reflect on your own character? How strong are your values? Take five minutes and challenge yourself to put in writing your beliefs, values, and strengths. Make a list, and capture a description of your inner self.
The list is your pathway to success. It defines behaviors that you need to live every day to be successful. It should not describe the person you desire to be, the person you are. It should clarify in your mind the areas that require more of your focus, and areas that you need to be more intentional with.
How do you become more? You need to grow yourself in the areas that you value, and the areas of your strengths.
The list should also reveal your passions. Passion allows you to see opportunities. Passion is the fuel that triggers your action.
When I did this exercise, I learned that even though I am driven to help others succeed, I can sometimes be stuck routines that limit my effectiveness. I am excited about the ideas I generated on how I can help others in new ways, and hopefully more effective ways.
If you didn’t already stop to make your list, take the chance to do it right now. It will lead you to new ideas. Ideas that will let you become more, and do more.