Blog

Are your thoughts keeping you centered and focused on your path?

I am a big U2 fan. I was thinking about their 1988 album titled, “Rattle and Hum.” The words had me thinking about the thoughts that rattle around in our heads and the constant hum of the world around us. We tend to get lost in our daily thoughts and day-to-day frustrations, so we must think on our life choices and see that we stay true to our path of self-discovery and improvement. In reviewing my many John Maxwell books, I dialed in on his book, Think on These Things, Meditations For Leaders and wanted to share a few points that spoke to me this week. I am always looking for direction and improvement for myself. As always, I find my inspiration in any book by John Maxwell, and I choose to focus on his books when I am seeking answers. We are always seeking answers to life’s many situations, and I hope this blog conversation will help you.

An amazing quote jumped out at me when I was skimming through this book. John shared the statement by Joseph Parker, an English Preacher; “An eagle does not roost in a sparrow’s nest.” I was hit with the realization that we must continue to chase our goals and live the life we want. I believe that many of us will stay with something because it is comfortable and changing the way we do things is scary. Our fear of some process or even progressing towards a goal will leave us stagnant. Instead, we must keep striving for our goals wishing to become our best selves. We must soar like an eagle and advance ourselves towards goals and meeting our life’s purpose.    

We all have strengths and values we bring to the table. We may lack self-confidence or a belief that our abilities will not make a positive contribution to society. We must believe in ourselves that we can change our world. We all change throughout our lives, and we are far different now then we were earlier in our lives. As we look at our careers as an example, we changed and progressed over time. I never thought I would become a school administrator when I started my career in education. I evolved in my thinking and abilities as I pushed myself to become a school leader. Originally, I was hoping for an assistant principal position first, but jumped right into a building principal and eventually became a Superintendent of schools. We all have a certain belief in our abilities, we cannot limit our progress by thinking small. If you believe you can change the world, then do it.        

We all have the potential to be great. In his book Mr. Maxwell shares that our greatest sin is when we fail to live up to our potential. He outlines a three-step process. First, we must discover our potential. Second, we must dedicate ourselves to our potential and finally we must develop our potential. I interpret this to mean we first must find our strengths and see how these fit into your life’s purpose. Secondly, we need to seek out greater goals that help our world and those around us. Finally, we must find ways to continue to develop our goals and find our path to success. This is also a never-ending commitment to self-improvement, self-fulfillment and changing the world for the better.

How are you soaring like an eagle, or staying comfortable?

What is holding you back from your growth?

Are you using your strength when developing goals?

Do you believe in your abilities?

How do you show commitment to your development?

I speak often of our thoughts, our confidence, and how they all work together to improve our careers and our lives. I share only what is on my heart each week. I share my thoughts and only hope that they help you in some way. Thanks so much for checking in this week, and I hope you have a clear direction of your life’s path. Have a great week deciphering the thoughts rattling around in your head.

Steven C. Bucks- Leading Conversations

Resource:

         Maxwell, J. (2009). Think On These Things: Meditations for Leaders (30^th Anniversary Edition) Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City