Mikolaj's Monday Maunder - Chain of Kindness

Inspiration and lessons for your leadership journey!

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“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.  As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. 
We need not wait to see what others do.”
~ Mahatma Gandhi ~

Change is inevitable.  For some, it is a required element when defining life.  And yet, something about us resists change and old habits are hard to die. 

Changes in government may bring uncertainty of the future.  Changes at work can be scary because our livelihood and our identity merge with or are dependent upon what we do.  Changes in a relationship may make us feel betrayed, vulnerable, or isolated. 

Leading through change can be difficult, to say the least.  Although worthy and admirable, the ultimate question is not how we change organizations and others, but how we change our own selves – how we lead ourselves through change.

This is my most difficult challenge – leading myself through change.  Sometimes, I just allow things in and around me to do their own thing.  Other times, I try and fail – and have to keep trying.  But one thing I’ve learned is that while we may have a grander vision of ourselves, our organizations, and the world, it is only done in the simplest of steps. 

This excerpt from A Travel Guide to Leadership speaks to this:

No matter how far the journey and how many steps we must take, the only step I have any influence over is the step I am taking right now.  As Lao Tzu wrote over 2500 years ago, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  Although this quote is usually used as encouragement for someone who is about to begin a major project or life mission, when you read the full 64th verse of the Tao Te Ching, it is apparent that Lao Tzu is giving far more wisdom than just a kick-off spurt of encouragement.  Later in the verse he said, “People usually fail when they are on the verge of success.  So give as much care at the end as at the beginning, then there will be no failure.”  It is through attentiveness to each and every step, each now, from beginning to end, that we achieve success and a fully-lived life.

If we want a kinder, more loving world, then we must take the one step we have right now. 

Be open this week to the steps available to you to share your gratitude, love, and kindness – and don’t give up.

Have an amazing journey today!

Alan

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This Week's Affirmations
(Repeat these quietly to yourself multiple times throughout the day.)

I am aware of my grander vision, mission, and purpose.

I focus on this step, right now.

I create a chain of gratitude, love, and kindness.

I am a loving leader!

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