Category: Leadership

Devotions, Leadership

God Is My Strength

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I will strengthen you and help you.
Isaiah 41:10

In Judges 7:1-8 you will read of how Gideon defeats the Midianites. What an amazing story of how the Lord won the battle for Gideon.

No one could have mistaken the ancient Babylonian soldiers for gentlemen. They were ruthless, resilient, and vicious, and they attacked other nations the way an eagle overtakes its prey. Not only were they powerful, they were prideful as well. They practically worshiped their own combat abilities. In fact, the Bible says that their “strength [was] their god” (Hab. 1:11).

God did not want this kind of self-reliance to infect Israel’s forces as they prepared to battle the Midianites. So He told Gideon, Israel’s army commander, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me’ ” (Judg. 7:2). As a result, Gideon discharged anyone who was fearful. Twenty-two thousand men hightailed it home, while 10,000 fighters stayed. God continued to downsize the army until only 300 men remained (vv. 3-7).

Having fewer troops meant that Israel was dramatically outnumbered—their enemies, who populated a nearby valley, were as “thick as locusts” (v. 12). Despite this, God gave Gideon’s forces victory.

At times, God may allow our resources to dwindle so that we rely on His strength to keep going. Our needs showcase His power, but He is the One who says, “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10).

God wants us to depend on His strength, not our own. Who’s strength are you depending on?

Leadership, Personal Development, Self Improvement

Need A Little Help Reaching Your Goals?

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Successfully executing any personal strategic plan for change requires that as you develop your plan, you effectively incorporate these seven steps for attaining each and every goal:

1. Express your goal in terms of specific events or behaviors.

For a dream to become a goal, it has to be specifically defined in terms of operations, meaning what will be done. When a goal is broken down into steps, it can be managed and pursued much more directly. “Being happy,” for example, is neither an event nor a behavior. When you set out to identify a goal, define what you want in clear and specific terms.

2. Express your goal in terms that can be measured.

How else will you be able to determine your level of progress, or even know when you have successfully arrived where you wanted to be?

OPPORTUNITY IS HERE!
3. Assign a timeline to your goal.

Once you have determined precisely what it is you want, you must decide on a timeframe for having it. The deadline you’ve created fosters a sense of urgency or purpose, which in turn will serve as an important motivator, and prevent inertia or procrastination.

4. Choose a goal you can control.

Unlike dreams, which allow you to fantasize about events over which you have no control, goals have to do with aspects of your existence that you control and can therefore manipulate. In identifying your goal, strive for what you can create, not for what you can’t.

5. Plan and program a strategy that will get you to your goal.

Pursuing a goal seriously requires that you realistically assess the obstacles and resources involved, and that you create a strategy for navigating that reality. Willpower is unreliable, fickle fuel because it is based on your emotions. Your environment, your schedule and your accountability must be programmed in such a way that all three support you — long after an emotional high is gone. Life is full of temptations and opportunities to fail. Those temptations and opportunities compete with your more constructive and task-oriented behavior. Without programming, you will find it much harder to stay the course.

6. Define your goal in terms of steps.

Major life changes don’t just happen; they happen one step at a time. Steady progress, through well-chosen, realistic, interval steps, produces results in the end. Know what those steps are before you set out.

7. Create accountability for your progress toward your goal.

Without accountability, people are apt to con themselves. If you know precisely what you want, when you want it — and there are real consequences for not doing the assigned work — you are much more likely to continue in your pursuit of your goal. Find someone in your circle of family or friends to whom you can be accountable. Make periodic reports on your progress.

Leadership, LegalShield, Personal Development, Self Improvement

The 4 Disciplines of Execution

imageThere are two principal things a leader can influence when it comes to producing results : your strategy (or plan) and your ability to execute that strategy. Stop for a moment and ask yourself this question: Which of these do leaders struggle with more? Is it creating a strategy, or executing the strategy?

Every time we pose this question to leaders anywhere in the world, their answer is immediate: “Execution!”

I just started reading this book, “The 4 Disciplines of Execution.”  I highly recommend it to everyone who desires to reach their goals and execute their strategy! Have a blessed day!

Here is the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Disciplines-Execution-Achieving-Important/dp/1491517751

Devotions, Leadership, Personal Development, Self Improvement

Turning Dreams Into Reality

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To one degree or another, just about all of us are unsatisfied with ourselves and our circumstances—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. A certain amount of dissatisfaction is necessary if we’re ever going to make progress. To become all that we can be, we must dream of being more than we are. The problem is, too many of us stop there, in the dream stage. Why do you suppose that is?

More often than not, it’s because we don’t think we have what it takes to turn our dreams into reality. And we’re usually right about that. We can make some changes by sheer willpower or working harder, like reaching a new sales quota or dropping a dress or pants size. But what about the bigger changes, the changes inside that we know would make us so much happier and enable us to truly make a difference in our corner of the world? It’s that kind of change that is usually most elusive.

We’re not good enough, we tell ourselves. We have too many flaws and make too many mistakes. It’s just not in us!

Jesus summed it up so simply when He said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.” The secret lies in putting ourselves in God’s hands and letting Him do the impossible for us and through us and sometimes in spite of us. We’re small, weak, and incapable, but there is a very big and strong and capable God just waiting to help us.

A dream without a plan is soon exposed.  As Warren Buffet has said, when the tide goes out, you discover who’s been swimming naked.

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Dreaming is good when it leads to a learning agenda that directs our intentions towards what’s most important to us.  John Kotter has said there are two kinds of people in the world: (1) those who accept their life, and (2) those who lead their life.

Some people just get up, look at their life, and hope (dream), something good will happen.  The successful person says, “I’m going to make something happen.  I’m going to build on trust; make that relationship work; take control over the things I have influence over; lead my life; create a personal learning agenda that will help fulfill my dreams.”

The key to transforming dreams into reality is to set goals that can be broken down into doable steps.  As Mark Twain said, “The secret to change is one step at a time.”

So how do you create a learning agenda that will help you fulfill your dreams? For starters, is there a gap between what you know or the skills you have and the information or the skills you need to actualize your dream?

Below are Seven Steps to turn your dreams into reality:

1. Start with the end in mind.

Determine your goals and ask yourself: Where do I want to be next year? What do I need to do to accomplish these goals?  Your answers instantly become your learning agenda.

2. Assess the skills or knowledge you’ll need.

Some goals won’t require new skills or knowledge, but others will.  What specific skills are needed to make your dream(s) come true?  What skill that you already possess would you like to improve by 25% within the next year?

3. Explore the best sources.

Is it going back to school? Enrolling in a training course offered by your employer? Developing a relationship with mentors and/or coworkers who can teach you new skills or insights? Look for that optimal source for every skill you decide you need to learn.

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4. Create your learning agenda.

You now have the information, so start creating your learning plan.  It should lay out the skills and knowledge you need to acquire.  It should include a timeline of where and when you will go about it. And it should be in writing.

5. Begin with the most important.

Don’t start with the hardest or the easiest.  What is the most important thing you can do right now?  Not every action is of equal value. Evaluate and then rank them according to value.

6. Get moving. Execute.

What is your W.O.W. (Within One Week)?  What step will you commit to this next week?  Let the fun begin—you are putting your learning agenda into action.  The sooner you get going, the sooner you’ll learn the knowledge and skills you need to enjoy and achieve your goals!

7. Identify your limiting beliefs.

We all have them.  When you identify them they begin to lose their power.  Don’t doubt your dream. I’m too young.  I’m too old.  I don’t have the time.  I don’t have the money. These doubts are common to all of us.  One of the best ways to fight your doubts is to be clear on where you want to go.  You must take the first step.  That’s what builds confidence.  Every time you do something you didn’t think you could do, your confidence is built.  Action leads to confidence more than confidence leads to action.  It’s easier to act my way into a feeling than it is to feel my way into an action.

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Stand up for who you are and what really matters to you.  You can choose what you will believe, and it will shift your mindset to be clear on the action you will take. This action will be proof to yourself that YOU  believe in where you are going.  I am not talking about clicking your heals together, like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, saying I believe…I believe. I’m talking about putting a stake in the ground, and making claim to your life.

So go back and review these seven steps for creating your learning agenda.  They will become part of your Doubt-Removal System. This will shift your mindset, and this action will deal with your limiting beliefs.

Devotions, Leadership, Personal Development, Self Improvement

Don’t Quit!

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In 1952 Florence Chadwick attempted to swim 26 miles from the coast of California to Catalina Island. After 15 hours, a heavy fog began to block her view, she became disoriented, and she gave up. To her chagrin, Chadwick learned that she had quit just 1 mile short of her destination.

Two months later Chadwick tried a second time to swim to Catalina Island from the coast. Again a thick fog settled in, but this time she reached her destination, becoming the first woman to swim the Catalina Channel. Chadwick said she kept an image of the shoreline in her mind even when she couldn’t see it.

When the problems of life cloud our vision, we have an opportunity to learn to see our goal with the eyes of faith.

The New Testament letter to the Hebrews urges us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (12:1-2). When we feel like quitting, this is our signal to remember not only what Jesus suffered for us but what He now helps us to endure—until the day we see Him face to face.

Sometimes the challenges of life seem insurmountable. Pray and ask your Heavenly Father to help you fix your eyes on Him and trust Him. Be thankful that He is bringing about His good purposes in you. We can finish strong when we focus on Christ.

Using the metaphor of a marathon and a stadium of cheering supporters, the writer of Hebrews encouraged persecuted Christians to persevere and to remain faithful. The constant call of Scripture is: Don’t give up! Keep your eye on the finish line! Finish the race! (1 Cor. 9:24–27; Phil. 3:13–14; 2 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 12:1–2).

DON’T QUIT, NO MATTER WHAT!

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. – Hebrews 12:1-2

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won if he’d stuck it out.
Don’t give up, though the pace seems slow –
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup,
And he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out –
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are –
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –
It’s when things seem worst that you mustn’t quit.

Devotions, Leadership, Personal Development, Self Improvement

What Difference Do You Make?

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It is said you will only be remembered for one of two things: the problems you solve or the ones you create.

Abraham Lincoln made a difference that changed the world forever, but so did Hitler. Both men are equally remembered. They both were part of a problem. Only one solved one, the other created one.

Which do you want to do? That’s a key question.

Now you don’t have to make a global impact in order to be remembered for making a difference. I also don’t believe making a difference is something you do only when you reach the top of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs pyramid, or when you volunteer at the local soup kitchen or write your check to public television.

I believe you are always making a difference, every day and in every moment. As soon as you walk out your front door, you become the cause of a series of ripple effects that will forever affect the direction and experience of much of the rest of the world. And your impact will be problem-solving or problem-creating.

Think about someone from your past: a former boss, colleague, college roommate, old neighbor, past love relationship, childhood friend, previous business partner, high-school math teacher, etc.

Each person either solved problems or created them for you. They either helped you and improved you or caused you grief and brought you down.

Now get on the other side of that list: How does each of these people remember you?

With every door you hold open, car you allow to merge, smile you flash, encouragement you offer, you are making a deposit into someone’s life.

The best part of this form of giving is that your ability to give is limitless, and in the end, the feeling of fulfillment you get makes you the greatest recipient.

It’s been said, “The key to becoming BLESSED is not to think about your blessing, but how you can be a BLESSING to someone else. In that act you will find YOUR BLESSING.”

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You don’t have to be a president or a tyrant to make a difference in the world. For all the people you touch every day, you make a permanent, lasting difference in their world.

ACTION FOR TODAY:

I encourage you to set a goal by answering these questions:
How many blessings can you dispense this week?
How many lives can you make a positive difference in?

The life most affected by this giving will be yours.

Then finally, What one thing will you do to make a difference in someone’s life today?

Just one thing, anything… come on just try it!

Devotions, Leadership, Personal Development, Self Improvement

Practical Ways To Show Love To Others

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A couple that had been married for 50 years sat reflecting one day. The wife said, “Things have really changed over the years. You used to sit real close to me. But you haven’t done that for a while.” “Well I can fix that.” said the man as he got up and moved closer to his wife.

“You used to hold me real tight.” said the wife. So the man wrapped his arms around his wife and asked, “How’s that?”

She continued to say, “You used to nuzzle my neck and nibble on my ear lobes.” At that the man jumped up from the couch and dashed out of the room. When he returned she asked him where he had been. “I had to go get my teeth.” Was the reply.

Valentines Day is upon us. I think the Beatles got it right with their hit sing, “All I Need I Love.”

In the first chapter of Ruth we see several practical ways that you can show love. The love that we are talking about is not the love between a husband and a wife – romantic love. It is the love of friendship – in this case between a mother and her daughter-in-law.

Naomi is left alone – bitter and heart broken. Naomi tells her daughters-in-law to pack up and leave. There is no reason for them to stay around. Naomi can see no hope for the future. No hope for marriage for the two young ladies. No future in sight for any of them. Naomi develops a pessimistic view of life. One daughter-in-law leaves but Ruth says:

“Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.” Ruth 1:16-17 (NKJV)

Here are some practical ways to show love:

1. You show love by sticking with someone through tough times.

Ruth said she would stick with Naomi through thick or thin. No matter what happened, Ruth would stay by Naomi’s side.

FACT: Love has Sticking Power.

“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” Proverbs 18:24 (MSG)

2. You show love by adjusting to others.

“Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.” v.16

3. You show love by reaching beyond your comfort zones.

“Where you die, I will die.” v.17

At this point I can’t help but think about the marriage vows. 

You know the vows go like this: I promise to stay with you: for better or worse; richer or poorer. In sickness and in health, till death do us part.

That vow says, “I’ll reach beyond my comfort zone to stay with you.”

Jesus said it this way, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23 (NKJV)

Reaching beyond our comfort zones means self sacrifice.

4. You show love by offering encouraging words.

“Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go.” v.16

Ruth was telling her – you’re not in this alone. Where ever you go – what ever happens to you – I’ll be there. You’ll always have someone by your side.

Proverbs 25:11 (MSG) “The right word at the right time is like a custom made piece of jewelry.”

FACT: Words of encouragement and love need to spoken – because they can have a great impact.

5. You show love by putting their needs above your needs.

“When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her.” v. 18

Let me give you a little insight into this verse. This verse doesn’t mean that Naomi stopped talking to Ruth completely. What it means is when Naomi saw how determined Ruth was – she stopped trying to persuade her. Ruth was determined that she was going with Naomi and no amount of talking was going to stop her from doing just that. 

It didn’t matter how uncomfortable the journey was going to be. It didn’t matter whether there was going to be food to eat. Ruth was determined to stick with Naomi – because she needed a friend.

“(Love) bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NKJV)

This story is also a picture of God’s love for you.

“There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 (NKJV)

Who is this friend? Jesus.

1. He’ll stick with you through tough times.
2. He’ll accept you just as you are.
3. He’ll reach beyond His comfort zone for you.
4. He’ll offer you words of comfort and hope.
5. He put your needs first when He went to the cross for you.

Happy Valentines Day! Remember, you are loved! Blessings.

Leadership, Personal Development, Self Improvement

5 Steps To Develop a Personal Mission Statement

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A personal mission statement is a bit different from a company mission statement, but the fundamental principles are the same. Writing a personal mission statement offers the opportunity to establish what’s important and perhaps make a decision to stick to it before we even start a career. Or it enables us to chart a new course when we’re at a career crossroads. Steven Covey (in First Things First) refers to developing a mission statement as “connecting with your own unique purpose and the profound satisfaction that comes from fulfilling it.”

(Thinking of a new career? Click here!)

A personal mission statement helps  identify your core values and beliefs. Michael Goodman (in The Potato Chip Difference: How to Apply Leading Edge Marketing Strategies to Landing the Job You Want) states that a personal mission statement is “an articulation of what you’re all about and what success looks like to you.”

The biggest problem most people face is not in wanting to have a personal mission statement, but actually writing it. So, to help you get started on your personal mission statement, here is a five-step mission-building process. Take as much time on each step as you need — and remember to dig deeply to develop a mission statement that is both authentic and honest.

Steps Toward Personal Mission Statement Development

Step 1: Identify Past Successes. 

Spend some time identifying four or five examples where you have had personal success in recent years. These successes could be at work, in your community, in your church, at home, etc. Write them down.

Try to identify whether there is a common theme — or themes — to these examples. Write them down.

Step 2: Identify Core Values. 

Develop a list of attributes that you believe identify who you are and what your priorities are. The list can be as long as you need.

Once your list is complete, see if you can narrow your values to five or six most important values.

Finally, see if you can choose the one value that is most important to you.

Step 3: Identify Contributions. 

Make a list of the ways you could make a difference. In an ideal situation, how could you contribute best to the world in general, your family, your employer or future employers, your friends, your church, your community.

Step 4: Identify Goals. 

Spend some time thinking about your priorities in life and the goals you have for yourself.

Make a list of your personal goals, perhaps in the short-term (up to three years) and the long-term (beyond three years).

Step 5: Write Mission Statement. 

Based on the first four steps and a better understanding of yourself, begin writing your personal mission statement.

(Thinking of a new career? Click here!)

Devotions, Leadership, Personal Development, Self Improvement

What Is Your Life Mission?

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It’s been said that the two greatest days in your life are the the day you were born, and the day you discover why you were born.

Just to begin the discovery process, here are questions to help you discover why you were born – your life mission!

1. What makes you smile? (Activities, people, events, hobbies, projects, etc.)

2. What are your favorite things to do in the past? What about now?

3. What activities make you lose track of time?

4. What makes you feel great about yourself?

5. Who inspires you most? (Anyone you know or do not know. Family, friends, authors, artists, leaders, etc.) Which qualities inspire you, in each person?

6. What are you naturally good at?(Skills, abilities, gifts etc.)

7. What do people typically ask you for help in?

8. If you had to teach something, what would you teach?

9. What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life?

10. You are now 90 years old, sitting on a rocking chair outside your porch; you can feel the spring breeze gently brushing against your face. You are blissful and happy, and are pleased with the wonderful life you’ve been blessed with. Looking back at your life and all that you’ve achieved and acquired, all the relationships you’ve developed; what matters to you most? List them out.

11. What are your deepest values?

Select 3 to 6 values and prioritize the words in order of importance to you.(values listed below)

Achievement, Adventure, Beauty, Being the best, Challenge, Comfort, Courage, Creativity, Curiosity, Education, Empowerment, Environment, Family, Financial freedom, Fitness, Friendship, Giving, Service, Health, Honesty, Independence, Inner peace, Integrity, Intelligence, Intimacy, Joy, Leadership, Learning, Love, Motivation, Passion, Performance, Personal growth, Play, Productivity, Primary, Relationship, Reliability, Respect, Security, Spirituality, Success, Time freedom, Variety

12. What were some challenges, difficulties and hardships you’ve overcome or are in the process of overcoming? How did you do it?

13. What causes do you strongly believe in? Connect with?

14. If you could get a message across to a large group of people. Who would those people be? What would your message be?

15. Given your gifts, talents, passions, abilities, personality, experiences, and your values. How could you use these resources to serve, to help, to contribute? (to people, beings, causes, organization, environment, planet, etc.)

Devotions, Giving, Leadership, Personal Development, Self Improvement

Dare To Dream!

image“I had seen that man before and now he was sitting in the snow outside the stadium [in Madrid]. I asked him what he was doing there. He said he’d been there for five hours, hoping for a chance to see the game, but his money had run out. That’s when I knew I had to help.” This is how José Mourinho, then coach for Real Madrid football (soccer) team, described his meeting with Abel Rodríguez, a Mexican-American who waxes floors in Los Angeles.

Rodríguez had first met Mourinho in the U.S. several years earlier when Real was on a training campaign and needed a volunteer to carry water for the players. It wasn’t a paid task, but Rodríguez was happy to help, and that’s when he decided he had to see a real game. He saved money for the plane fare, flew out, and hoped for the best.—And it was “hope,” because he neither had a ticket for the match nor anywhere to stay.

It paid off. After their encounter, Mourinho put up Rodríguez in the same hotel as the players, all expenses paid. He proceeded to give him a paid job as kit man for an upcoming Champions League match against Manchester United, which meant Rodríguez flew with the team to England as a staff member.

“We must help each other to live our dreams,” said Mourinho. When I first heard about this incident, I was impressed. Mourinho has a reputation as a tough character. He never seems to miss an opportunity to ridicule his opponents, and he comes across as proud and harsh. Yet, when faced with this man’s dreams, his heart was touched. It shows that deep down we may be quite different from the image we project.

Then there is the faith of the cleaner. How could he have flown across the world with hardly any money, expecting to manage to see a game in one of the world’s biggest soccer stadiums? That seems rather ridiculous.

Irresponsible, actually. Dreamers do crazy things that average people might never attempt. But in following his dream, Rodríguez ended up with a unique and inspiring story to tell.

If people can dream big dreams for things in this life that have little eternal value, how much more should we, as God’s children, dream big and do as much good as we can in a world that is desperate for love and recognition.