I once had the good fortune
to hear a keynote by David McCullough, who spoke in late June a few years back at a conference
in Philadelphia. McCullough is the narrator of several PBS shows, such as the
American Experience, and a Pulitzer Prize winning author and biographer of John
Adams.
Perhaps moved by the history
of the city in which he spoke, as well as the proximity of July 4th,
McCullough spoke eloquently about the many challenges faced by the men and
women who fought for our country’s independence all those years ago. These were
men and women who saw potential - their own potential as well as the potential
of a new nation - and believed they could achieve their vision.
I was surprised to hear McCullough say that George Washington assumed command of the Continental Army
having no previous experience in battle! Yet he saw the potential - he believed
in himself and his men, he believed in the cause - and ultimately, against
daunting odds, he achieved his goals.
There are many things to
learn from these courageous individuals - things that will help us achieve our
own potential and become the best we can be. David McCullough stated that our
founding mothers and fathers were people of principle, and that their
principles guided their actions and decisions. In the spirit of July 4th - Independence
Day - therefore, my main article in this issue offers 12 guiding principles that can help you release your
potential and the potential of those around you. I like to imagine that these
are some of the very same principles that guided our forefathers and mothers in
their fight for INDEPENDENCE.
Have a wonderful holiday!
Terry
The Spirit of INDEPENDENCE
I = Inspire
others. Lead by example. Become the change you want to see in others.
N =Never,
ever, ever, ever give up (Winston Churchill). There is no such thing as
failure. Every attempt is a learning experience. Keep trying until you reach
the success you desire.
D =Do
everything with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is contagious - start an epidemic. And,
if you’re having a hard time mustering up enthusiasm, do as Loretta LaRoche,
one of my favorite speakers, suggests: “Fake it ‘til you make it!”
E =Expect
the best. You just might get it!
P =Put
first things first (Stephen Covey). Focus on the things that are most important
to you. Know your priorities and make time for them in your work and your life.
E =Exceed
your own expectations. Our internal dialogue so often focuses on our
shortcomings, lowering our expectations of ourselves. Turn that around. Focus
on your strengths. Surpass your wildest expectations!
N =Never
ask, “Can I do this?” Ask instead, “How can I do this?” The addition of that
one little word - “How” - makes all the difference in the world when you
approach a problem or challenge.
D =Dare
to be different. To fully realize your goals, sometimes you have to rise above
the crowd, or take a different path. By daring to be different, you just might
inspire others to follow.
E =Empower
others. Whether we are in formal leadership positions or not, we can become true
leaders by empowering others. Involve people in decisions, encourage
participation. When we empower others, we empower ourselves.
N =Never
fear the space between your dreams and your reality. If you can dream it, you
can make it so. (Belva Davis).
C =Celebrate
what you want to see more of (Tom Peters). Celebrate others’ accomplishments.
For that matter, celebrate your own accomplishments. Recognition is one of the
most effective forms of motivation.
E =Exhale!
Take a breather now and then. In our fast and hurried world, it is all to easy
to get caught up in getting, doing and achieving. To be the best that we can
be, we need to slow down once in a while, get quiet and gather our thoughts.
Remember to breathe!
While you celebrate the
independence of our country, also celebrate yourself - all that you are and all
that you can be. And remember,
“Your
past is not your potential. In any hour, you can choose to liberate the
future.” (M. Ferguson)
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