Our evolution as human beings is largely a product of visionary thinking—of people imagining a state of things worth going for, and then going for it.

Appreciation is a type of active (vs passive) perception—a way of intentionally seeing through a lens of love, tuning into and revealing the beauty, grace, excellence and strength around us.

Commitment is one of the most powerfully creative forces in our lives. It is a cornerstone of manifesting anything, and it is certainly at the center of being an inspiring and effective leader.

I realized I had somehow overlooked what is for me perhaps the most powerful source of renewed energy and inspiration—beauty.

We tell ourselves stories—all the time. We have ongoing narratives in our heads that cover just about everything—from specific situations, other people, and the world around us, to our own capabilities, worth, possibilities, preferences, and bodies.

Live is an adventure. Leadership should be. I love hearing people talk about bringing a sense of adventure to their life. And maybe even more so to their work, because it’s less common.

Honesty is a huge creative force in our lives. The choices we make around “telling the truth” (to both self and other) powerfully influence the decisions we make, the directions we move in, the depths of intimacy we experience, and the impact we have as leaders.

Think of your purpose as an expression of what I like to call your “spiritual DNA.” It’s something planted in you by Life itself—whether you think of that Life in a theological or spiritual sense, or in a more secular biological sense.

Everyone sees part of the truth, but no one sees all of it. Notice if this statement is obvious to you, or challenges you, or both. Notice how often the way you see something seems like the “right” way, or even the “only right” way.

Authentic Connection is at the heart of leadership. Literally—having the strength and openness of heart to connect with others from a place in yourself that is real and true—this is one of the things that distinguishes great leaders from good ones.

Excellence is an expression of integrity. If integrity is being true to yourself, to your commitments, and to the kind of world you want to help create—then bringing excellence is an essential element.

Impactful leadership is not just grounded—it’s spirited. Have you noticed that the positive difference you can make in others’ lives is often related to how connected you feel to your own life force?

While there is always a hunger in the world for real leadership (from wherever it springs up), this is an unusually intense time we’re in—global pandemic, widespread economic disruption, an extreme political landscape of distortion and division…

“I’ve got to be more disciplined.” How many times have you said that to yourself?

How will you make sure what’s most important doesn’t get lost? How will you reclaim the sacred?

Let’s try an experiment. Imagine a great leader who lacks confidence. Hmmm…

Perhaps there’s a challenge you’re facing. How might it be an invitation to learn and grow? And how will you respond?

Fear may be there to steer you in a different, perhaps wiser direction.

Consider what the impact could be of shifting your focus from proving yourself to inspiring yourself—and others.

Have you ever considered that you may be an environment for others?