Each one of us is called to greatness. It is not the exclusive domain of
the famous , or those in positions of power. If you choose, no matter what
your current situation, you can have an extraordinary impact on the world.
You can craft an extraordinary life, and make a real difference in the
lives of those around you. Here are some powerful ways to embrace your
highest potential and awaken your best self.
Drink Tea With Gandhi
Reading is one of the best disciplines I know of to stay “on your game” and
at your highest. Reading from a great book is really all about having a
conversation with the author. And we become our conversations. Just think,
tonight — by reading Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography, The Story of My
Experiments with Truth, over a cup of tea — Reading a book
by someone you respect allows some of their brilliance to rub off on you.
Get Some Skin in the Game
Failure is the price of greatness. Failure is an essential ingredient for
high achievement. As innovation guru David Kelley wrote: “Fail faster,
succeed sooner.” You can’t win without leaving your safety zone and taking
some calculated risks.
If you keep doing what you are doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve been
getting. True joy comes when you put some skin in the game and take some
chances.
Be a Happier Human
If you want to be happier, do more of the things that make you happy. I
know that seems like an obvious point — but it’s not. As we leave the
wonder years of childhood, most of us stop doing the things that make our
hearts sing.
Listen Twice as Much as You Speak
Listening intently to someone is one of the best ways I know of to honor
that person and forge a deep human connection. When you listen to someone
it sends a message: “I value what you have to say, and I’m humble enough to
listen to your words.” Most people’s idea of listening is waiting until the
other person has finished speaking before answering.
Align Your Schedule With Your Values
To paraphrase Ralph Waldo Emerson, “What you’re doing speaks so loudly I
cannot hear what you are saying.”
Show me your schedule and I’ll discover the truth. Because your schedule
doesn’t lie.
There can be no authentic success and lasting happiness if your daily
schedule is misaligned with your deepest values.
Be Wildly Enthusiastic
The people I love to be around are generally those who have a simple,
heartfelt quality: They are enthusiastic. Wildly so. They are open to life.
They are curious. They love to learn. They have a lot of fun. . Be energetic
and alive. See the best in people. You can’t control what happens to you
each day, but if you have an abundance of enthusiasm, I have no doubt that
whatever the coming hours bring, you will handle them with grace, strength
and a smile.
To Be More Productive, Kick Back
Spending all your time working will not make you more productive. In my
experience, and I’ve been at this for more than 10 years, few people get
their best ideas at work. I invite you to take a moment to think about
that. Checking your email on your BlackBerry every 60 seconds will not make
you more productive. Burning the candle at both ends doesn’t tap into your
natural pool of creativity.
Get Big on Self-Care
Leadership begins within. Organizational leadership begins with personal
leadership. You can’t be great at work until you feel great. You can’t be a
source of positive energy if you have no energy. The doorway to success
swings outward — not inward.
Make the time to care for yourself. Get into great shape. Plan and improve
your skills. Work with a coach. Spend excellent time with your loved ones.
Commune with nature. Enjoy life while you chase success. By caring for
yourself, you will be able to give more to others. By ensuring that you are
on your best game, your leadership effectiveness will be guaranteed. And by
taking the time to enjoy life, you will be more enjoyable to be around.
