Having just returned for another live training event in Orlando, I can say I have spent the last week being around some of the top leaders in the world. I was privileged to spend some time with the likes of John Maxwell, and Nick Vujicic. I was also fortunate to hear from some lesser known leaders like Paul Martinelli, Scott Fay, and Ed DeCosta. They may not be as well-known but they are very much leaders in their field of expertise. I was also invited to be a part of an event to recognize other lesser known leaders from across Canada and the United States.
These experiences have given me a window on the world that I aspire to become a part of. The experience came at a price of course. Anything worthwhile will always have a price. Sometimes monetary, sometimes time, sometimes other resources, sometimes all three.
Five years ago, I would not have made that investment in my growth. I did not see it as an investment; I saw it as a luxury that I could not afford. I would tell myself: “Some day I will do that, some day…” It took a significant shift in my perception of the value of learning outside of the standard educational institutions and the value of me. I had to learn to value myself. I had to learn that what was possible for others was also possible for me. And I had to truly believe it, not just with my head but with my heart as well.
Good leaders believe in us, challenge us and help us to grow into a good leader ourselves. Become all that is possible for us. Leading is not just for supervisors, managers and executives. We are always leading ourselves every day. I had to learn to believe in myself over the past five years in ways that I thought I already was but in fact, I was only believing with my head. Intentionally seeking out others who believed in me was my first step in that process.
Who are you spending the most time with? Do they lift you up and challenge you to be better, do better? Do they bring out
the best in you? If not, how can you be more intentional in who you spend time with? You don’t have to deliberately cut people out of your life, but as you become more intentional about who you spend time with, the rest will fall away. Be intentional about how you spend your time and with whom.