How are you doing in life? Are you frustrated by many things, do you swear a lot, do you talk about what pisses you off all the time, or do you already feel that my questions here are inappropriate? Do you prefer to perceive your life and the lives of others around us through a positive lens?
I ask because it is our attitude that determines whether we can more easily appreciate the good and the beautiful, enjoy what happens to us, and see challenges as opportunities for growth. Sure, not everything works out and many things can be frustrating. Your face is more likely to show your smile and courage in embracing life than showing a sad or angry look. Is this true for you?
Today I listened to a clip from John Maxwell's Leadership Podcast on this topic. As I think about it, I'm also reminded of Stéphane Hessel's call to "Get Outraged". In both, I appreciate that they want to inspire us to take responsibility for our thoughts, emotions, and actions in order to shape, act, and contribute to the society of our time. While John Maxwell focuses on our responsibility as human beings in leadership, Stéphane Hessel focuses on all of us, especially young adults.
Stéphane Hessel writes that the worst thing is indifference. I feel the same way. And at the same time, I often feel powerless.
This feeling of powerlessness manifests itself in not acting. I just wait for the situation to pass, concentrate on my breathing, and at best think of something beautiful. I don't always succeed with this form of indifference. With the beautiful new thoughts comes a better feeling, a spark of hope that mobilizes me. Then I try to rejoin the conversation, to participate and to steer the content in a different direction.
Do you know indifference? How do you react when you experience it? And what ways do you use to regain responsibility for yourself and your well-being?
John Maxwell also has a practical tip for us today that I'm very excited to share with you. John says that when we speak to others, their reactions and attitudes toward us are a reflection of what they are experiencing from us in that moment. If we are happy and our enthusiasm is transmitted to them. Our bright eyes are reflected in their eyes. If we are flabby on the road and are saying something in order to say anything, and we are not really consciously present at that moment, then that will be reflected in the person we are talking to too. John stresses the importance of observing the people we talk to. Yes, to read them a little bit. If we recognize the signals that what we are talking about is not getting through, we can take action. We can work on our own attitude and focus on moving people through our words and our mood.
When do you plan to step back into leadership? Are you relaxed enough to let your enthusiasm flow to those around you? I wish you bright, alert pairs of eyes following you.
Let's do it.
