Monday Morning Messages

‪“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” Aristotle‬

“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.” – André Gide

‪“With few words I shall make thee understand my soul.” Michelangelo‬

‪“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me),It's always our self we find in the sea.” e.e. cummings ‬

“Great moments are born from great opportunities.” Herb Brooks. Great leaders always see each day as being full of opportunities. They carefully choose to spend their time on the tasks, and with the people, who will give them their best chance to create meaningful experiences and long lasting memories. Be more intentional in identifying and seizing opportunities each day and then treasure those unique moments that result from consistently putting yourself in the right place, with the right people at the right times.

“We see in order to move; we move in order to see.” William Gibson. To see things more clearly you must regularly put yourself in spots to think where things that normally matter don’t and little separates you from creative inspiration. Find a place this week to be surrounded by natural beauty and completely free from distractions to bring out your most innovative thoughts. Make a habit of moving in order to see and become a more focused and effective leader.

‪“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” Joseph Campbell‬

“The most important wings on an airplane are on the pilot.” T. Allen McArtor. Your economic status, ethnicity, age, gender etc. can all make your journey harder, but the thousands of daily decisions you make are ultimately far more important in determining your long-term results. Have a clear plan for what you want to achieve in life and stay focused on moving toward it with every decision you make. Concentrate more on your abilities than your circumstances and you will eventually succeed despite how unfairly others may treat you along the way.

“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.” Mahatma Gandhi

"No man can live happily who regards himself alone, who turns everything to his own advantage. Thou must live for another if thou wishest to live for thyself." Seneca. At 3 a.m. eight years ago, I comforted this whimpering puppy on his first night away from his mother and siblings. As much as I would have preferred to be sleeping soundly, I will never forget that moment and the special bond being there for him that night created. Great leaders know they can only reach their full potential by thinking and acting beyond themselves. Live your most fulfilling life possible by putting others first.

"The secret to happiness is freedom... And the secret to freedom is courage." Thucydides. Great leaders know that true happiness doesn't come from seeking the approval or constantly trying to meet others' expectations. They understand better than anyone their own gifts, talents and passions and develop plans around them knowing that others may not ever understand what they truly want in life or believe in their dreams. Always have the courage to choose freedom and be the unique and extraordinary person you were created to be.

"The world doesn't change in front of your eyes, it changes behind your back." Terry Hayes . The courage to take action, and that first step toward their most ambitious goals, is what often sets great leaders apart from others. They are simply willing to take the significant risks and challenges that many others won't. Never let your fears cause you to hesitate in pursuing your dreams and changing the world along your path.