The Future is So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades

The title is from a song by Timbuk3 back in the 80’s. The future of a company or a family should be so bright, they all have to wear shades. How? This depends on the leaders mindset.

Leaders understand the importance of what goes into their mind. There are some great nuggets found in Proverbs 23 about our minds and vision for the day and the rest of our lives. Below are some nuggets to ponder as we go into 2012.

Your thoughts throughout the day will determine your character. Zig Ziglar says, “People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.” It’s important that we have positive affirmations coming into our lives, minds, souls and spirits daily. A good way to make this happen is to sign up for daily email that provides the type of nourishment your mind needs. An author, John Maxwell, is an inspiration to me and the articles I write. He has a one minute video he sends out daily that inspires the mind.

We become what we think. Have you ever had a co-worker come up to you and say, “You don’t look well today.” Up to that point during the day, you felt fine. As the day went by, you kept thinking about the comment your co-worker made. You may have ended up going home early because you started to feel sick. You later realized that there was nothing really wrong with you. A “sick” seed had been planted and you nourished it all day until it bore (bad) fruit. What IF you had exchanged that bad seed for good seed? What would have been the difference? Be careful of your thoughts; they may break into words at any time.

Have you ever heard, “Go where you’re celebrated, but not tolerated?" Don't waste your thoughts on those who don't hunger for them. It’s like throwing seed out onto the pavement and expecting something good to grow. The rule of thumb is if you’re asked for advice, give it accordingly. Never give unwanted advice. A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.

In leadership, who is the first person you lead and the organ you master? If you said “You” are the first person to lead and the “Mind” is the first thing to master, you’re correct. As a leader, you set the pace and steps for others to follow. The leader also sets the temperature in the room. The leader is the thermostat, not the thermometer. If you come into a room looking in control and confident during trying times, everyone else in the room will follow your lead.

Mastering your mind and what goes into it will help you during tough times. Think of a football team that's down 21 points going into the locker room at half time. What does the coach have to do or say during those few minutes? The coach must change the mindset of the team to help them believe they can still win the game.

I encourage you to say confident in the new year and your vision will come to pass. Discipline your thoughts to remain steadfast in what you know is right.

Wayne Bailey is a Distributor with SendOutCards. He has recognized tremendous growth in his personal and business relationships by implementing the strategies he talks about in his articles. You can email Wayne at wayne_bailey642@hotmail.com or visit: www.sendoutcards.com/waynebailey.