Mark S. Brown

James Levin once observed, “Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.” Quiet reflection is a process I know works. I also know that the more you practice it, the more effective it becomes. The hard part is the discipline to consistently practice it.

We are all so busy. The end of the day comes so quickly, and there are always more things on the to do list than minutes available. So how can we stop doing, and sit still to think?

Leaders are always prone to action. We like to make things happen. We accept mistakes, we just want someone to do something.

As we near the end of 2012, and prepare for 2013, it is a natural time for all of us to reflect and think about how we will improve in the new year. Start blocking some time in your calendar now for the end of year reflection. You want to achieve a lot in 2013, so spend some time thinking about it.

On your list of objectives, add daily reflection. Get it in your 2013 calendar now. If there is only one objective you stick with in the next year, this should be it. This objective can impact everything else you do. Create the habit.

 

Captain D. Michael Abrashoff said, “If all you give are orders, then all you’ll get are order-takers.” Leaders give power to those they lead, and then hold them accountable for using that power appropriately.

Empowering your people will help them grow. Empowering your people will also help you grow in many ways. You will grow your leadership. you will grow your influence, you will grow your ability to achieve your personal goals.

There is no reason not to teach, coach, and empower others. But it is easy to overlook the benefit when you focus on results, instead of focusing on process. Challenge yourself to challenge others.

Abraham Lincoln said, “My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.”

 

 

I saw Steven Speilberg’s film, Lincoln, last week. I could not stop thinking about how one man had so much impact on the United States. In the film, Lincoln’s conviction and values drove massive needed change. But the cost was high, in the lives of others, and in his own life.

Lincoln said, “A compass will point you true north, but it won’t show you the swamps between you and there. If you don’t avoid the swamps, what’s the use of knowing true north?” He was focused, but also maneuvered the obstacles to successfully achieve his goals.

Another great quote from Lincoln, “In order to win a man to your cause, you must first reach his heart, the great high road to his reason.” Lincoln was masterful in connecting others with his purpose and goals. He never relented from his pursuit of his goals, only diverted around those that would stand in his way.

If you like historical portrayals, I can highly recommend the movie, Lincoln.

I have come to the conclusion that if you want to improve at something, you must like the improvement process. Finding the process that fits you, and that you enjoy can be challenging. Let’s look at a couple of examples.

If you want to become better at getting things done and following through on commitments. You can try many approaches. You can try a daily system to track your to do list and action items. You could try finding an accountability partner. You could try a new calendar system that will give you better reminders. Once you pick a path to improve, there are still a multitude of options.

If you want to lose weight, again you can find many different paths people take. You can focus on reduced calorie intake, or increased exercise, or proper sleep, or reducing stress, or some combination. Select a path and then select the tools you will use.

Finding the right path and the right tools for either of these cases can be difficult. You can only be successful if you pick a solution that you enjoy, and that you can consistently apply in your life matching your personality type. You can’t copy another person’s solution. Not exactly, and expect the exact same outcome.

So how do you find the right solution? I would suggest making sure you know why you want to improve. Find the passion that is driving you. Then experiment with the tools. Find what you like. Always remaining tapped into your personal passion!