Even though most of us would like to take credit for all that we’ve accomplished in life or in business, not a single person can truly say they did it all by themselves. Everyone has had help with learning skills, practicing becoming a leader, developing a product or service, or emotional and spiritual encouragement. All are vital to growing as a person and a professional. The lesson here is to strive to always thank the individuals that have helped you in a way that leaves them better off for having known you.
Here’s one example of this in my life; I was recently doing some shopping at a local retail store here in sioux falls and the clerk that was helping me seemed very tired and lonely. She was trying very hard to be friendly so she was chatty and polite. I had several more stops to make and I was in a hurry, but a couple of the comments that this stranger made to me really caused me to slow down and talk with her for a few minutes. I thanked her for her help and wished her a blessed evening and then went on with my errands.
A few days later I was in the drive through at a local fast food stop
When I got to the window to pay for our order, the attendant was the same women that had helped me a few days prior at the retail store, I made the comment to her that she was a busy gal as this was at least job number two for her. Her response list of phone number blew me away and had both of my children asking, “what did you do mom?” the women thanked me for being an angel in her life, that I had made her day at the retail store by seeing her and giving her a few minutes of my time. The moral of this is that you never truly know what impact you might have on a complete stranger, let alone the people that you care very deeply for.
Fear is natural and healthy
Fear of the unknown, fear of “what if,” and fear of failure, all of these are normal, natural, and, to a certain extent, even healthy. The only difference between fear and courage is action.
I’ve heard the definition of courage as being without fear, and that has not been my experience at all. I believe that courage is being scared the entire time you’re in action and never stopping as a result of that fear.
Personal growth is contagious
As a leader, I try to lead by example. If I’m asking my family members, teammates, or co-workers to stretch their boundaries, or go above and beyond what is necessary then I believe that I should do the same. As I have broadened my view of the world around me and faced a few of my fears I’ve seen firsthand how this inspires others, both at home and at work.
This past summer I was extremely fortunate IT Email List to attend a leadership conference with some of the best speakers that I’ve ever heard and each of the speakers at this conference made reference to facing your fears. Before I left the city of las vegas, I faced my fear of heights…… I went sky diving! At first I thought this would just be a situation of I just need to get through this and then I will no longer be afraid of heights.
