John Maxwell's Quote

I heard this on a speech from John Maxwell he spoke at a couple years back, and I love how this sums up a mission statement for life. I think that it would be impossible to have an unfruitful life if this was the way one lived.

"Lord, as i get older i would like to be known as available more than a hard worker, compassionate more than competent, content, not driven, generous instead of rich, gentle over being powerful, a listener more than a great communicator, loving vs quick or bright, reliable and not famous, sacrificial instead of successful, self controlled rather than being excited, thoughtful more than gifted, I want to be a foot washer, I want to finish well."

- John Maxwell

Live your life with a mission statement every day, something that challenges you to serve other first, and to be positive...

Thought of the Day

I was listening to the radio today, Dave Ramsey's show and he said something that made do a double take. I love these kind of verbal checklist cues. He said:

"The quality of a man's life is directly proportional to his dedication to excellence in everything he does, regardless of his occupation or talents."

- Dave Ramsey (unless he re-quoted it)

This is a challenge to me, as I seek to do everything with excellence, passion and perfection (up to the point, without procrastination). I firmly believe that this is very contagious. We must believe it. Because too many people are influencing others without realizing it (myself included, sometimes).

So how does this relate to me, I seek to be a leader in my life to challenge myself, my character, my wife, and those in my team, in the workplace. We all lead sideways, that is we lead those who look up to us, but we also lead those who are alongside us, our friends. (this is a concept that John Maxwell talks about in his "360 degree leader" book. This would be an excellent book for everyone who wants to learn about how they can realize their potential to influence, grow and be a better leader in life. Everyone leads at some point, whether your a business owner, parent, or even a student in a group project. Be the best you can be, be excellent.