Breathing Space

It has been over a month since my last post and I have absolutely no excuses.  What I can tell you is that I have learned that when the cup begins to run over, it is necessary to create breathing space. As leaders, well being is something that we often times push to the side and it is important to remember that there is nothing healthy about lack of balance in our lives.   

Since my last post, I have experienced the loss of a sorority sister to suicide, a jury trial that involved a murder of a 21 year old female and her 5 month old unborn child, completed my first triathlon, continued living the "Soccer Mom" dream and executed 2 very critical meetings that required acute attention to detail.  Not to mention the countless number of additional meetings and commitments.

For me, my breathing space typically comes by way of family time, yoga, meditation, running and cycling....as well as, off phone/computer time by a certain time at night just to name a few. As my schedule continues to swell (with good things of course), it has helped me...or shall I say, forced me to look again at how my life is structured and re-prioritize where necessary. I would not trade my breathing space for anything and neither should you!

Before you leave, ask yourself...
How do I "intentionally" create breathing space?
Do I spend enough time with balancing my "whole life" or do I find moreso than not that I am focusing on everyone but not including myself in that equation?
If I could do at least 1 thing differently to create balance, what would it be?

The final question and possibly the hardest...
What is stopping me from achieving better balance?

Until next time.....BREATHE :-).

Blessing Those Who Blessed Others

You may recall the Live Your Dreams Out Loud post from a few weeks ago.  I asked readers to think about sharing their stories with hopes that it would inspire someone who may need to hear their story.  Originally I was going to pay it forward with one $50 Amazon gift card to the story that generated the most likes.  The opportunity for the gift card is now over but I have decided that each story submitted has "likes" beyond measure in my book. Therefore, the 3 brave authors who submitted stories will all receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card.  It's my pleasure to do this and I hope someone is equally touched and inspired as I was from the Live Your Dreams Out Loud stories submitted.

THANK YOU for sharing a piece of your life with the world!

Sincerely,

TMinor
Creator and author of Leading With Purpose, the Blog
#BeTheVerb

Reactions Matter

When you think about how to react or respond, remind yourself that reactions matter.  In fact, your reaction will leave a bigger impact than intent if not handled appropriately. You could quickly trump a good thing and or damage a relationship you have been working really hard to turn around.  Always remember that others are watching and often times learning from how you respond.

Memories of past experiences are not easily forgotten so make sure that you make interactions count and never forget that every reaction matters!

The Little Things

There was a tid-bit I picked up from a leader who I recently met through a conference.  I was totally amazed by his energy and his way of engaging a very large crowd and I said to myself, I have to introduce myself.  Fast forward almost 2 months later and we actually have an opportunity to catch up face to face.  We had a great time getting to know each other and discussing opportunities and as we were wrapping up he said to me, when is your birthday and for my office address?  You may say, so what…but the beauty in cultivating relationships really starts by also being conscience of the little things. Who doesn't love a birthday card or an email recognizing you on your born day?  Personally, I took a page out of his book immediately.

#LWP #BeTheVerb

Saturday's Nugget of Wisdom

Live Your Dreams Out Loud

You will never know the impact you can have on others without action.  I have seen countless lives touched and transformed because someone decided to be bold and live their dreams out loud. Whether you have a personal goal or simply a passion....at this moment, consider yourself pushed off of any ledge of fear or hesitation you may be on and turn them into forward progress.  Watch what happens when you pour your heart, your passion and your gifts and talents into your dreams!

If you have a story and can relate to this post, please share by commenting on this post. The best story by fan vote will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card. Stories must be shared no later than midnight, August 20th.  #BeTheVerb #LWP

No Matter What...

This post is dedicated to one of my favorite comedians, Robin Williams.  He once said, "no matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world."

R.I.P.

Sunday's Inspiration_Press Go!

Since I have control on how I choose to lead my day…this morning's choice to run was a reminder of the push we have to give ourselves sometimes.  Last night I went to bed with every intention to run.  It was a tough week and when someone said they would join me, I said to myself great! Now there is no way I can get out of it….fast forward 7 hours of sleep later and one snooze and plans had changed and now it was just me being accountable to me.  Now that I had what was a perceived out, I had to make a decision…..stop my original plans or press go.  I led myself to go and I'm so glad I did.

Leadership stares us in the face daily but its how we choose to manage it that counts.  My inspiration to you is to press go beyond any obstacles or perceived obstacles you face and always to choose to run on!

#LWP #BeTheVerb

Saturday's Nugget of Wisdom

#LWP #BeTheVerb

Care + Execution = Winning

As a leader, I put care and creativity into how I plan to execute and lead and guide others to meet deadlines and key deliverables.  In fact, it not only impacts me in a positive and productive way, it impacts others too. Yesterday a leader shared with me how he appreciates that I always put care into how things get done.  Meaning, he recognized that I did not just force deadlines and deliverables on the staff but that I put thought and care on the forefront to keep execution as easy and efficient as possible to optimize time and the end result.  It's always a joy when someone shares something with you unprompted that exudes what you intentionally deposit into your leadership style.

Sure...things can get done "good" by way of the status quo but pushing beyond that is what gets you to "great"!

#BetheVerb #LWP

The Awesome Thing About Verbs

.....they are action oriented.  Leadership is a verb. #BeTheVerb

I Am A Leader!

It was tough thinking of the first blog topic. However, I felt it was important to set the stage with a necessary understanding of who is a leader.  

Do you consider yourself a leader? I may or may not know you as you come across my blog but I sure hope that you said YES!!!! Leadership is not just a title or a role within an organization. Leadership is a trait that lives in all of us.  And while everyone leads differently and in their own unique way, we all have a leadership button activated within us whether we think so or not.  If you are making decisions in your life, taking care of all that you have to do on a day-to-day basis, have a significant other, have friendships, volunteer, work, mentor, plan parties…well, you get my point...you are a Leader.  Receive it and believe it.

Right now, wherever you are, get on up and say it loudly and proudly with me, I am a leader!
*warning...this action may or may not be suitable for all environments…unless you feel compelled to inspire others to do the same around you:-). 

Embrace the leader within.

#LWP #BeTheVerb