Dreaming is the most important thing – Reason 63

The present can be uncertain, the past is sometimes foggy and the future is completely unknown, but dreams have the effect of helping us to live our lives.

Then, after a certain age or period of time, dreams just stop for most people.   Ironically it seems initially like a blessing, because the person starts to flow with life.  You probably know the feeling: eat whatever is there, do whatever the boss says, laugh when it is supposed to and, of course, cry at the right moment.

Leaders don’t fall into that trap, because they know the present moments may also be clearer if there are dreams or goals, in fact even the past takes on a different meaning.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

 

Even a small victory is a big conquest - Reason 62

For an ordinary person it is all about victory or defeat.  In relation to victory, the bigger the conquest, the bigger would be the joy.  But leaders see triumph in a different way.

Leaders are always facing obstacles; it could be considered as part of the job, if being a leader was a job.  In this way, conquests and victories keep on happening, but also defeats and losses.

A victory may be as subtle as being quiet instead of responding badly to another person, or it may be as obvious as changing an old habit, transforming the business or taking a country towards a new direction.

It does not matter the size of the victory or its impact, leaders will feel pure joy as if they won a prize or a lottery.  It warms the heart and enlightens hope in the soul, and keep leaders moving toward the next challenge.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

 

Values are a support during adverse situations – Reason 61

Didn’t you get up on time today?  Is your new shirt spoilt by something that fell on it during breakfast?  Is your kid sick again?  What about your customer, is she complaining about you to your boss?

Life is full of adverse situations that are easily forgotten after a short time, but where in the heat of the moment look like the end of the world.  Even though they are small in size, they are moments of truth that reveal our values in daily life.  Our reactions or actions are proportional according to those values.

A short video[1] was in circulation some time ago that showed a man taking great care just to smooth off the spread of wet cement on a sidewalk.  He then realises a young boy walking on it, in order just to come and say ‘Hi’.  The temperament explosion was visible, but never came; with patience, the older man was able to just get the boy out of it and keep going.

Values are a support that allows a leader to not get upset when life stains a precious shirt or spoils their hard-done work.

(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons to be a Leader)

 

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[1] You can check it on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-rVWOqeAnk  or check the site of the organisation behind it: http://www.values.com/