Perpetual optimism is a force
multiplier. – Colin
Powell
During his
days as president, Thomas Jefferson and a group of companions were traveling
across the country on horseback. They came to a river which had left its banks
because of a recent downpour. The swollen river had washed the bridge away.
Each rider was forced to ford the river on horseback, fighting for his life
against the rapid currents. The very real possibility of death threatened each
rider, which caused a traveler who was not part of their group to step aside
and watch. After several had plunged in and made it to the other side, the
stranger asked President Jefferson if he would ferry him across the river. The
president agreed without hesitation. The man climbed on, and shortly thereafter
the two of them made it safely to the other side.
As the stranger
slid off the back of the saddle onto dry ground, one in the group asked him,
"Tell me, why did you select the president to ask this favor of?"
The man was
shocked, admitting he had no idea it was the president who had helped him.
"All I know," he said, "Is that on some of your faces was
written the answer 'No,' and on some of them was the answer 'yes.' His was a
'Yes' face."
Whether or
not you wear a “yes face” is a choice you make each day. Along with it are the
consequences of that choice. As we enter into a new year let’s explore a few
ways in which a “yes face” can be a difference maker in 2015. Here are four
ways.
Say yes to a new attitude
Your
attitude is the deal breaker of all deal breakers. 2015 will be no different
for you if you do not learn to master your attitude.
As a leader
your attitude is contagious and sets the tone for your leadership style and
effectiveness. John Maxwell was right when he said, “People may hear your
words, but they feel your attitude.” In 2015 say yes to a renewed attitude that
is positive and empowering.
Say yes to new realities
Each New
Year brings a new set of realities. Are you where you thought you’d be? Perhaps
not. But 2015 is your year to embrace a
new attitude and to right the course. Don’t be discouraged where you are – it’s
only temporary. It’s your starting point.
It’s now
time for some honest appraisals of where you are in order to chart the course
to where you want to go. Don’t turn a blind eye to your current realities. See
them for what they are – benchmarks to where you want to be by the end of 2015.
Say yes to new successes
As you
embrace a new attitude and new realities you can then move forward with a new
game plan to achieve new successes. 2015 may be your year to bring on that
coach you’ve been thinking about. It could be time to join up in a Master Mind
group that can help you achieve your goals and help keep you accountable.
Abraham
Lincoln said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more
important than any other.” This philosophy is essential to your success. 2015
is your year to say yes to new successes and new opportunities you’ve only
dreamed about.
Say yes to yourself
2015 is your
year to square your shoulders, hold your head high, and to embrace and believe
in the God-given abilities you have as a leader. 2015 is the year to tune out
the people who would hold you back by their negative talk and influence. It’s
time to cut loose from those who refuse to see your potential and those who
desire to hold you back.
2015 is your
year to say yes to what you already know in your heart to be true about
yourself as a leader so you can run your race with confidence and faith. Where
other people have doubted you and have said no to your dreams it’s now time to
say yes! 2015 is your year to soar!
Say yes!
© 2014 Doug
Dickerson
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