by
marcia on Jun 3, 2010 at 6:51 AM
Filed in
In so many areas of our life, how we start out is extremely important. We’re taught the importance of making a positive first impression when meeting someone, developing a powerful opening statement in a speech, giving a firm initial handshake in an interview. It’s really no different in Leadership. Starting with a solid foundation is essential. Here are 5 insights to help you start successfully:
- Start with yourself. By starting with yourself, you build the self-confidence needed to attract and inspire others. Leading yourself well is a precursor to accomplishment. In order to make deposits in the lives of others, you have to have a beginning balance in your leadership account.
- Start early. The earlier in life that you establish good habits and make wise choices, the less effort it’ll take. Specifically work on these areas:
- Know yourself
- Settle your family life
- Determine your priorities
- Develop your philosophy of life
- Get physically fit
- Learn your trade
- Pay the price
- Develop solid relationships
- Prepare for the future
- Find purpose for your life
- Start small. Don’t expect to understand what it takes to get to the top, just take the next step. Think big, but start small. Doing so encourages you to get started and keeps you from being frozen by the magnitude of the vision in front of you. When you accomplish a small step, you gain confidence that you can accomplish the next step.
- Start with the end in view. To do this, you need energy and direction. Let your passion pull you forward, and let your planning give you guidance. In order for passion to be a driving force in your life, you must identify a purpose for your life. To find your purpose, consider your strengths, interests, and past successes. What roles do you find most enjoyable? What brings you the greatest sense of satisfaction? Examine the areas that make you feel strong and angle your career toward them. For planning to give you direction, you need to write down goals. Goals lend structure to your purpose, and they keep you leading “within the lines.” They focus your action and move you toward your overall vision.
- Start now. Embrace action daily. Make each day your masterpiece; you’ll be surprised where you end up after stringing together a few months of superb days.
11885c90-b35f-4b9f-b985-f09e84e635b0|0|.0