Posted on

Hurricane Sandy: Patience for Recovery

by

 

My heart goes out to all the people dealing with the aftermath of the recent Super Storm Sandy.  The winds of the hurricane are gone but the echo remains.  I know the strain of this walk back to normalcy because of the recent tornadoes in Alabama.  While we were spared the wind damage, we sustained flood damage. To give you an idea look around your house and think of losing everything that is below your waist line.  Imagine all of your pillows, shoes, records, appliances and yes and your furnace and air conditioner completely ruined.  Now, imagine losing everything and having no answers about recovery.  We had members of our Boy Scout Troop lose their entire home.  So let’s pray for all of these people and towns; pray that they keep their peace during these trying times. Peace is what everyone involved in Hurricane Sandy will need.

Here is a letter I would write if one of my personal friends were in the storm:

I am glad that you and your family are safe.  God’s grace is evident in every situation.  Recovery will seem elusive because of the enormity of the storm and it may seem overwhelming right now.  There is hope if you are willing to be Patient.  Patience is weaving a pattern to achieve a desired outcome. With all of the chaos of assessing the damage and lose of you and your neighbors I urge you to make a decision. Make a decision on what outcome you desire.  While there are some factors to consider in regards to finances and personal preferences but your true focus should be on what do you want this situation to look like in a year.

 

Think big picture or your mind will get caught in the space of “what I used to Have/Do”.  Recovery is possible but restoration is up to a higher power.  You can recover your peace and joy, real soon.  Look to a brighter future that is free from your past.  I know you have a lot to do so I will send you another letter in a week to give you some more ideas on having the Patience for Recovery.

 

Dominate your actions, Dominate your thoughts, Dominate your world, tm

William J. Spencer, IV

Posted on

What is Consistency?

by

What’s the most consistent thing that you experience?

 

Consistency:  steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc.:

I know I need work in this area, so I decided to do a bit of research. The first word of the definition is steadfast? If I use steadfast I think of never letting go.  Imagine a baby kangaroo holding on to its mother or a stream that flows forever constantly providing life. To be steadfast is to be strong and mortally committed to achieving your goals.

What do we admire about the character of Consistency?  Who is consistent and how did they get that way.  Consistent people do not allow outside influences to disrupt their thought pattern. If you are committed to an idea, that causes you to have a short sided view of the world, this is powerful.  Those that think short sided, ignite innovation.  Rebel against the trend, if it causes destruction.

Consistency, madam, is the first of Christian duties.
Charlotte Bronte

Three Actions that will increase your consistency

Forgiveness

You have to forgive your inconsistencies. Forgiveness allows for patience to stick, it acts as the glue on the tape of life.  Forgiving yourself opens your heart to explore the world.

 

Reflect on your core values

What legacy do you want to leave? Make your feelings a reality.  If you are true to what keeps you centered then you will not go astray.  Copy your goals and say them more often than you think you is necessary.

Change your routine to enhance your dreams

Let go and develop a consistent routine that includes the pursuit for your dreams and goals.  If your routine is not working alter your approach, but keep the same dream.  Expect greatness and use wisdom to consistently achieve your dream life.

 

Tina Turner’s song “Let’s Stay Together” strikes a tone for steadfastness.  If you can keep your commitments to relationships and values; you are counted among the consistent. Hang on to those things that are dear to you. As long as your hands don’t move you are consistent. Patience will support your consistent nature.

What traits do you possess that show your consistency?

Posted on

Do not get tired of dreaming.

by

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubyblossom/

Dream like a baby

 

The other day I was thinking this dreaming thing gets old, especially if you have high expectations.  The problem comes when dreams do not see any results.  Every dreamer needs encouragement so I am here to help those of you that still want to be on the dream team.  Below are a few things that can be used in low moments to you back on track.

1.       Be encouraged

Be happy that you still have the opportunity to envision a more peaceful existence.

2.       You have to keep hope alive

No hope, no life.  This is simple but direct because once you give up the hope of achieving your dreams; your ability to dream will diminish.

3.       Think positive and shine the light on your dream

Norman Vincent Peale had it right; there is Power in Positive Thinking.  Think big and think positive often.  Also, shine a light on your dreams.  Let some others know about what you are dreaming about.  Do not feel ashamed for delayed dreams.

4.       Stay with your dream, persistence pays dividends

You will see victory if you continue to the end.  The privilege of persistence is that you are now familiar with the enemy.  Now you know what do to and you are equipped to overcome.

5.       Loose the attitude

Just because you are not living in a dream state, does not give you the right to throw sour grapes at everyone else.  If you have an bad attitude, you are blocking your dreams. 

10. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?  James 3:10-11

 

Here is an easy way to get back to on the Dream Team.  Pick two things that you know you can do and complete them.  After that pick three hard things and finish them quickly.  Now you can do this over and over again until your Dreams are Dreams no more.  All you have now is a Dream life.

 

What 2 things are you going to do today to help your Dreams?

Posted on

What kind of Ambassador are you?

by

Be an Ambassador

  • Realize that you represent a higher cause
  • Your response or lack thereof must demonstrate control

 

Ephesians 6:20 For which I am ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

The idea of an ambassador is fascinating because you represent all the power and honor of the organization you represent however you are not the focus of that privilege.  Whatever cause you represent whether it is Boy Scouts, a multinational corporation, a family or a country the cause is greater than you as an individual.  Realizing that you represent more than just yourself should add restraint to your regimen.  Your actions now carry more weight which is good when positive motives are in play.

When you are a diplomat you have to decide whether to use Hard Power or Soft Power. Here is a quote from my forthcoming book “Patience to Dominate”

While it is rational to stay patient and focused on your goal, there are actions and mannerisms that can be used to diffuse tense situations and still allow you to emerge victorious.  This method is termed, soft power.  Soft power is used in diplomacy to enhance relationships and still influence the current situation in your favor.

Conversely some negotiations require a drastically different approach.  This diplomatic approach is called hard power. Hard power is like and eagle spreading his wings to demonstrate his majesty.

When you are serious about your position on a matter or an end goal, many times, the thing that challenges you will have less leverage.   “Patience to Dominate” the book

 

Ambassadors have many decisions to make on behalf of those they represent. Patience is needed to decipher what course to take when presented with a situation.  In all situations control over your tongue, your gestures, your finances and your time articulate the position of those you represent.

 

 

2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

How will you be diplomatic today.

Posted on

Triple Crown Leadership – Miguel Caberra

by

Miguel Cabrera has won the 2012 Triple Crown  for Major League Baseball. A feat that  very few men in history can lay claim. The attributes of a winning a Triple Crown in baseball can be applied to your life and leadership skills.

courtesy of the Bleacher Report

America’s national pastime as the first player in nearly half a century to win the triple crown, leading the American League in home runs (44), batting average (.330) and runs batted in (139).  The New YorkTimes, John Eligon 10/3/12

 

1. Miguel Cabrera had the best batting average so can you.

His team and coaches could count on him throughout the year to be consistent in his performance. You too can be consistent in all you do.  Doing what you are supposed to do has rewards.  When you are consistent you eliminate problems.

2.  Runs batted in show his ability to help others

Everyday you should look for someone to help.  Make it part of your mission to help others at work and home score. The world loves a team player even when it comes at a “sacrifice” to you. This is what Cabrera did by hitting so his team could score.

3. Have home run power

By being the home run champion Cabrera let the team and the opponents know that he was serious about moving forward.  You too can knock it out of the park if you work on what you are good at doing.  Look for something you do well and perfect that skill until you are a home run hitter.

I’m taking my time. I feel much more confident, and every day I feel like I’m getting better.
Miguel Cabrera

How are you developing your Triple Crown attributes?

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Patience requires obedience

by

Chri.ChabotThis is an excerpt from a Course I am developing for Patient Leadership. The relationship between the path to patience and obedience takes a concentrated effort. The following principles shed light on what it means to have obedience in the world of Patient Leadership.

• To obey is better than sacrifice
• Obey your conscience
• Stick to your written goals even when large obstacles arise

The Creator puts parameters around to remind us of the need for obedience. As we mature we believe that we do not have to obey anyone. We proclaim that we have no master and our decisions are self-determined. One universal reminder is the demand of obedience to our bodies. These fleshly creations quickly let us know the limits and needs that must be obeyed. It takes patience to operate your body through proper rest, diet and meaningful exercise. This type of obedience must be demonstrated in our lives relative to acquiring The Patience to Dominate.

2 Corinthians 10:5-6
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

We must obey the code of conduct that shrouds our conscience. Obstacles may arise that will skew our actions away from set desires. The closer you are to fulfilling your destiny requires more obedience. Obedience is controlled restriction, sacrifice is forced removal. It is better to obey than to sacrifice.

Written goals are a part of obedience because life has an interesting way of adding distractions that function as masters. We must obey the goals we set so that the true call on our lives will manifest. We must obey the individual moral rules we set for ourselves. Trust yourself, trust what you have written and trust the Father.

Master your distractions.
If patience is our goal, obedience is our guide.

1 Samuel 15: 22
Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice

Is your life governed by obedience or sacrifice?

Posted on

Failure is an option, do not choose it

by

http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulobrandao/I am not failure, Patient Leadership uses failure as another opportunity to achieve greatness.

If you fall, fall on your back. If you can look up, you can get up.
Les Brown

The other night I could not sleep and it was entirely my fault. It was the night after the Toastmasters Table Topics contest, where I came in second to better competition. I believe if I would have done my best, I still would have been challenged to succeed…. BUT, I stunk, my words were garbled, my eye contact was weak and my sentences were tangled. Worst of all I conveyed the personality of a sad toad. Maybe, this a little harsh but I believe I rank with the best speakers God put on this earth. Granted I am still evolving, I believed this was a step towards my achievable dreams. All that being aside, I went home with my head hanging down. And lost sleep thinking of how many; many times I have captivated the crowd in these situations. Truth is, I failed and I needed to figure out how to right the ship and right my mind. Oh, this was my first contest of this sort, so how could a person who teaches on patience be upset.

Upset I was so I called the Magic City Toastmasters, President, Alex Bumpers and he gave me his philosophy on how I should handle this situation.

Steps to take after a failure.

State of Reflection
Allow your mind to go over the details of the events. Give yourself some time to digest and process all the events. No judgment, just contemplation

Strategic Phase
New Vision is necessary to proceed. You had a vision of what success looked like and now you have to decide if you have the same desires. Queen Janetta said,”
You have to decide if you even want to play that game anymore.” Some goals are worth going for again and others are just proving grounds for the better life.

Action Plan
“Roles and Goals”. Define who’s going to do what and when. Make decisions that will propel you to the next level. My one reason for joining
Toastmasters was to improve my skills as an inspirational speaker. After my last performance, I can see there is aspects of my craft that need enhancement.

Implementation
Alex Bumpers says, “You can’t be successful from 40,000 feet in the air, you have to get down in the trenches.” Hands on enactment are vital to the success of any
venture. Put your dreams into action. All babies need milk to grow. See and do it. The future belongs to those who are about their business.

Success or Failure
After following these steps you will either have success or failure and in both events you should go back to the Reflection phase to gather more intelligence.
By continuously repeating this process you will eliminate failures and multiply success.

Anytime you suffer a setback or disappointment, put your head down and plow ahead.
Les Brown

What process do you use after a failure or success?

Posted on

Decision Makers use courage and conviction

by

Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Isaiah 28:16
To live your life with courage and conviction, know your true values and dreams. Patient Leadership leads with principle and planning. The beginning of this Bible verse talks about the foundation that God has laid for in Zion, namely Jesus, the precious cornerstone. Then He follows it up with, “He that believeth shall not make haste”. This same type of conviction can be carried into life on all matters. If you believe in your goal you will have courage and patience. Do not be so hasty to arrest a situation, allow the facts and the truth to rise to the surface. It takes courage and conviction to stand on your sure foundation.
As I developed areas that focused on the philosophy of “Patience to Dominate”, many opportunities to expose the plan prematurely came up. I had to have the courage to continue working the project that was in front of me and not get distracted. Conviction was necessary to assure myself that I was on the right path. It was my duty to continue building a sure foundation before launch.
Apply courage and conviction to every area of your life and watch the blessings rain down on you. There is room for the dreamers and believers that are bold in their endeavors. Go forward with confidence in yourself and the God who made you.

What are examples of your courage and conviction?

Posted on

15 years of Marriage teaches Paitent Leadership

by

http://www.flickr.com/photos/juan-antonio-capo/

On my 15th wedding anniversary I thought about, what have I learned. It is shared here with you to enjoy. May God bless you and all the marriages around the world. I am grateful that my wife taught me and I thank God for the ability to listen and hear the wisdom of Patience.

1. You can’t do it alone
In marriage you quickly realize that anything you can do by yourself is better when done together. Leadership is the similar because marriage is
an agreement between two people to love, honor and respect

2. Communication is essential
Leaders have to communicate early and often. In marriage you have to communicate even earlier and more often

3. Listening is essential
The old saying, “you have two ears and one mouth” should be the clue. Like in marriage, leaders should close their mouths and open their hearts
so that peace and progress can prevail

4. Breaks are necessary
Leading a volunteer organization caused me to realize that taking a break from the familiar routine refreshed all aspects of the team. If
something is not as smooth as you would hope take a pause for the cause and decide what is the most positive direction for everyone involved.

5. Detailed plans reduce friction
“Write your vision and make it plain”, this Bible verse holds true in marriage and leadership. Do not be afraid to write your goals on
small issues as well as the large ones. This will cause you less time in the explanation phase

6. Assumptions cause friction
Do not assume you know what the other person is thinking or how the other person will react. I am still learning how to implement this is
everyday partial applications. Sometimes disagreements are only in the mind and not necessarily the reality. Prior actions are not always an
indication of future results.

7. It is only as good as you think it can be
This is the mind over matter/situation trick. You are what you think you are. You have what you think you have. Patient Leaders say what they
want to see. Any complaints will manifest as actions. Dominate your thoughts, Dominate you actions, Dominate your World(tm)

8. Apologize with sincerity and forget about it
Some people resent a sincere apology because they wish to have their moment of anger but the majority of the world appreciates this rare gift. I
you are wrong just say you are wrong, now everyone is free to move forward. If you forget about it truly than now there is room for love to
abound.

9. Take it serious
Life is serious and so is marriage but moments are precious. So enjoy the journey. Enjoy the small things and expect the big things.

10. Dont take it so serious
Patient Leaders fully grasp situations yet they still direct attention to the lighter side of life. Look for every opportunity to laugh.
Learn as many jokes as possible. Let the smile of others be your reward.