I continue to use this template to stay on track professionally and personally, and to course correct if I think I am not going to reach some of my targets. This is one way I leverage what I teach in Twenty First Century Leadership.

Below are the ideas I focused on in my workshop:

Using a pen and paper I…

• Design a plan and work the plan.
• Build some “distraction time” into my plan.
• Stay current with where I am and where I am headed.
• Keep an eye on my time-line and adjust my action steps in order to accomplish my tasks by the date(s) I chose as my deadline.
• Finish what I started while making my transition into my next phase, checking items off my action steps list as I proceed.

I motivate myself through…

• Beginning with the end in mind.
• Being proactive.
• Being courageous and rewarding myself for what I accomplish.
• Keeping a journal.
• Asking, when I experience temptation, “Is this going to help me get where I want to be – to further my purpose?”
• Setting up and using a buddy system or team system.
• Being as organized as I know how to be and prioritizing.
• Bringing enthusiasm to every task at hand.

In short, I believe that people who are “on their game” exercise self-discipline when thinking on paper, relentlessly finding ways to overcome what they believe are their limits, knowing when to say, “Yes,” and when to say, “No,” and keeping up with their industry. People in the process of winning remain aware of the value they are creating practicing this kind of self-discipline instead of viewing this process as a burden or sacrifice.

If I “fall off of my game”, become less self-disciplined or experience irritability, I view this as an indicator rather than a condition. I remind myself of the ideas expressed in this article. Similarly, if I allow my enthusiasm to wane, I course correct by paying more attention to constructively creating the experiences that contribute to my feeling of success/fulfillment.

“Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There’s plenty of movement, but you never know if it’s going to be forward, backwards, or sideways.” Life’s Little Instruction Book – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

How I deal with the unexpected is great feedback about the strength of my leadership mindset and my relationship with myself.

Do I remain cool, calm and collected? Am I emotionally and intellectually grounded? Do I respond constructively? Am I purposeful? Do I remain aware of the effect of how I am showing up on the people in my life? Am I keeping commitments – with others and myself?

Or, when the unexpected occurs, do I go into denial or resistance? Do I feel emotionally and intellectual scattered and unclear? Do I choose a destructive response inconsistent with my stated intentions (my greater purpose)? Do I burn relationship bridges or leave them in disrepair rather than being proactive and engaging?

Here are some tips for being ready for the unexpected:

➢ Regular “self-maintenance” is key – not just on an emotional level but on all levels; being active physically, intellectually, creatively, emotionally and in other ways that you value.

I urge you to make these habits rather than mere wishes:

o Learning about yourself (becoming more emotionally self-aware)
o Stimulating your intellect (not just at work)
o Being physically active to promote overall health
o Expanding your social and relationship building skills
o Laughing and being fun

You may not have control over everything in life, but you have sufficient control over yourself to avoid going into reaction and feeling surprised and unprepared when there is something unexpected to handle.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

➢ Remain conscious of the needs of the people around you. Genuine leaders are invested in the well-being, growth and success of colleagues, friends, community members and family.

If you are not emotionally, intellectually, creatively, physically, etc., in-tune with yourself, how do you intend to successfully fulfill your role as a leader and contribute to the enrichment of your peoples’ lives?

Assuming you have made “self-care” a habit, there are still those times it seems to be not enough. Here, the trick is to be less “self-conscious” and more “other conscious”. What might you do to help someone else along his or her path – the most rewarding gift you’ll ever give?

“ A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.” – Benjamin Franklin