Attitude of Gratitude: Bring On The Corn

Introducing the Legacy Builder Series It’s a typical weekday night. The clock says 4:45pm and I am hustling in the kitchen. The oven is cranked up to 400°F ready to roast tonight’s cauliflower, though it’s not yet cut. The water on the stove is boiling, sending steam to the ceiling while the rinsed rice sits neglected next to the sink. I’m dicing raw chicken on the cutting board as fast as humanly possible when my two older sons walk in the door, now home from school, squabbling over a basketball. My youngest son, who just awoke from his afternoon nap, tugs on my sweater and with bleary eyes says, “Mom, I want to help you cook dinner.”   The world freezes around me. I see the two choices I have. On one hand, I can curtly respond with a harsh, “No” which would be understandable considering the situation around me. On the other hand, I can slow down, pause the chaos, and take a moment to teach my son how to chop the cauliflower, helping him work on an important life skill while also including him in the daily tasks of the household.   I wish I could say that I always choose the latter, but sometimes I don’t.   This leads to the question, what kind of impact am I making? Sometimes I make an impact by just getting dinner on the table for my family and that’s okay. But on the golden occasions, when I do choose the latter, I’m making a greater impact by teaching, training, and leading my children while making dinner.   The Legacy Builder series is about recognizing the opportunities we have to make that greater impact. Whether it’s at work or in the home, we are influencing other people’s lives. As leaders, we are watched by those we are tasked to lead. As Patrick says, “more things are caught than taught.”   So how do we do it? How do we become Legacy Builders who leave lasting impressions on people’s lives? How do we make that greater impact?   Recognize the Opportunities It would be nice if the opportunities arose when we were twiddling our thumbs, waiting for one to come about. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. Often, they come up at inconvenient times, in the form of that co-worker knocking on our door as we’re banging away on an overdue report, or that old acquaintance who stops us while we’re hustling through the aisles of Walmart. The key is slowing down, setting aside our agenda, and giving time and attention to others, especially when it’s not convenient for us.   Speak and Act with Intention Our words and actions matter. Even if an action seems small, it can have a lasting impression if there is heart behind it. For example, striking up conversation with janitorial staff just as we would with other co-workers, means that we value all people for who they are and not just for the work they do or position they hold. Listening well to others and asking insightful questions leads to connection and understanding. We can share our insights of course, but engaging in dialogue more often than monologuing leaves room for others to share their ideas and insights.   Turn Struggles into Lessons No one is exempt from trials and failures. We know that means us as well. Yes, they’re challenging, but they can also be learning opportunities. If we are willing to be vulnerable and honest with those we lead, we can potentially encourage them through their trials and failures with the things that we have learned from our own. This builds trust and strong relationships.   Leaving a lasting impact by leading with empathy, compassion, perseverance. and patience is not easy. It also doesn’t happen overnight. It takes practice. It takes failing sometimes and then apologizing and trying again. It takes hard work to grow as a person and a leader in a way that encourages others. The big thing is to keep trying, don’t give up.   In the coming weeks, we’ll continue to post about becoming a Legacy Builder but if you ever have questions and want to reach out, don’t hesitate. At Impact of Leadership, we’re creating a community of people who don’t do life alone.   Author: Ashley Buenger 

How have you entered the new year?   Did you create new year resolutions?   Did you create new goals?   Did you pick a word for you to focus on in the new year?   All of these are things I have done to go after 2024.   Why do we think a new year will change our life? One word…HOPE! I know one year is only separated by seconds, but it gives me HOPE that I have 365 days to work on improving. There is no way I am going to work on everything I want but it gives me a clean slate to try. As I write this my goal is to lose another 20lbs and I just ate three Oreo cookies. (SMH)    Why are goals so hard?   Because they aren’t supposed to be easy!   Goals push you and I out of our comfort zone. It also is really hard to stay committed and it is so easy to give up because it’s not easy.   I was talking with my thirteen-year-old son this weekend about a goal that he is trying to achieve. It’s really causing him a lot of frustration because the work is hard and the results are slow. He wants to hit his goals but the restrictions suck! I told him that I feel the same way when I try to go after a new goal. I think everyone does but those who hit their goals don’t give up.   It “feels” like we are climbing a mountain that is so high. There is no easy road or climb to the top. You wake up each day and have to climb more to get closer to the top. You might slip and fall which is heartbreaking in the moment. However, you don’t have to stay there. We all must keep trying so we know that a single moment of falling doesn’t stop us. Yes, it will suck to redo the climb but learn from your mistake(s) so you don’t repeat them.     What is my word for 2024? Consistency. Why? I have realized that I am a light switch often in my business and personal life. What is a light switch? It’s when you turn on and burn bright for a moment. However, that light goes out and there is nothing happening. I hate to admit the truth but that is where growth can start. Admit the truth and know where you need to improve. If I can do it, you can do it! 😊   For 2024 I am going to work hard to have a consistent routine with waking up, going to bed, exercising, working on my business & personal goals. The only way this will happen is if I plan time for each one and stick to it. This is going to be so hard for me because I love the freedom of choice. I recently did a personality testing and I am known as a “monkey” who loves to swing from tree to tree.   Knowledge is power and anything can change if you are committed to the plan. I have seen this as I lost 45lbs because I was committed to my health loss plan. Truth be told, I am a little heavier after the holidays, but I am good with it…sort of. 😊 I am glad I ate the food that gave me pleasure but now I need to do the work to get back to being healthy. That means not eating everyday like it’s the holidays and I need to get back to working out.   What is your word for 2024?   Life is a gift and we have an opportunity each day to get a little better.   If you need help picking your word, here is the blog from 2023 where I explained how to pick your word of the year.   There are other resources that can help you stay focused on your goals. Book- Atomic Habits Planner – Full Focus Book – 7 Habits of Highly Effective People   You can do this because I can I do it. You are not alone. Together we can do anything we want with the right commitment, focus and desire. Here is cheering you on to an amazing 2024!   Be better than me, Patrick   NEED MORE? Connect with us on YouTube and LinkedIn for more fun and engaging free content.   Visit our sponsor, CCB Technology, to get your IT fixed.