Drive...

Okay so we enter into part 2 of our theme: 3 words - drive, consistency, celebration

Thought for today: drive is the byproduct of passion

Think about this for a moment, no one has to pry you out of bed to do the things that you love doing. We rarely have to set alarm clocks for those events and activities that "get our motor running." If you are anything like me you will actually plan for and heavily anticipate those moments. We live our life constantly moving in the direction of our passions.

As leaders if we expect any drive we must learn to tap into our passions.

It's that simple. So from now on find out what makes you come alive as a leader and shift a great majority of your time and energy into refining those few things. Now don't misunderstand me there will be seasons that we must focus on other things that aren't as immediately fulfilling, but these are only "pacers" in our lives.

By "pacers" I am referring to things that help us regain our course and prepare for the next leg of the race. Being from the south I am constantly in contact with more than a few NASCAR fans (sometimes I think there are more NASCAR fans than people!). In NASCAR, just before the start of full blown 200 mph racing or whenever a crash happens the officials send out a pace car that keeps the race cars in check. Pace cars are in no way, shape, or form as powerful as the NASCARs but they serve a critical function: restraint.

Those things in our leadership that are not necessarily our passions, but are integral to the daily functioning of our organizations operate like pace cars in our leadership. Simply drop your speed, get in line, and get ready for the green flag to drop!

Now back to our passions...

I have heard said that whatever you obsess about you bring about. That is so true. If I obsess about being the greatest guitarist on the planet, I will spend my time and money making that dream a reality. If I obsess about being the skinniest person in my family, I will sacrifice eating fried chicken and cornbread so I can make that dream a reality. And in my leadership if I obsess about making quotas, gaining new ground, increasing sales, retaining members, etc. I will naturally find ways to make that/those dream(s) a reality.

Pause for a moment and make a mental list of your 5 greatest passions as a leader...

...I'll wait...

Now that you have those passions in mind ask yourself:

1. What will it take to make this a reality?
2. How much time/money will I have to invest?
3. What new skills/techniques will I have to learn?
4. What old skills/techniques/mindsets will I have to unlearn?
5. Who can help me make this a reality?
6. Am I willing to give up whatever it takes to achieve these goals?
7. Would I be able to sleep at night knowing that I am pursuing these goals?
8. Is my family 100% completely supportive of this venture?
9. Do I have the stamina to stay in for the long haul?
10. Is it really worth it?

These 10 questions will get you started as you whittle out a gameplan for your passions. I want to encourage you to stop looking outside of yourself for something meaningful to give your life to. The secret to your fulfillment is within your heart. Dig deep and find the dream that just won't die. Unearth the power of your imagination and let your heart provide the drive as you mine the riches of your passion.

Remember drive is a byproduct of passion. What the world needs is not someone who knows how to "be a leader." What the world needs is someone who knows how to be passionate about a worthwhile cause.

Passion brings promotion.

Passion brings productivity.

Passion brings purpose.

Passion brings pain.

Passion brings pleasure.

Passion brings power.

Unlock your passion and start driving today!!!

3 Words

Recently I have been a part of a "renewal" of sorts. I find myself once again faced with the reality of actualized passion and am forced to decide how I will respond. Will I let the habits and patterns that have defined me during my recent history continue to shape my future or will I chose to take the proverbial "leap of faith" and tread out into new territory.

I think I'll tread.

A few days ago, during a conversation with God I strongly sensed the voice of the Holy Spirit release 3 words into my heart that must be at the forefront of this season of my life. I believe these 3 words are not only helpful to me personally as a leader, but to all leaders in general. So with that in mind, over the next few weeks I will try my best to unpack what these words mean to your everyday leadership.

Those words are: drive, consistency, and celebration.

As a leader without drive you will never go anywhere. Regardless of whether your organization is a 1976 Ford Pinto or a 2011 Zo6 Corvette, if you don't drive you don't move.

So I ask you: how is your drive?

As a leader without consistency you will never accomplish anything with staying power. Simply put, to leave a legacy full of staying power your leadership must exemplify staying power.

So I ask you: how is your consistency?

As a leader without celebration you will never fully appreciate how far you have come and how far you can go. We must make it a very high priority to celebrate EVERY win. Both big and small. A win is a win. And wins are the fuel for organizational momentum.

So I ask you: how is your celebration?

Check back regularly and let's weigh in on these 3 powerful points of leadership!