Thought #1 – Sacrifice.

According to John C. Maxwell in his book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You, “the heart of good leadership is sacrifice”. He gives a poignant example of the sacrifices Martin Luther King, Jr. made. King was stoned, stabbed, physically attacked, and his home was bombed. Despite all of this, he did not back away from his leadership responsibilities. In the end, he made the ultimate sacrifice– His life.

Good leadership and sacrifice are interconnected. Many leaders have sacrificed time, sleep, higher salaries, hobbies, and have put the needs and wants of others before their own. I am sure you have done the same at some point in your life. Although this can be a good thing for the team, it may cause some internal conflict if you are not clear on what your values are. Knowing your values will help you decide what you will sacrifice and what you won’t.

Thought #2 – Consider your Success.

Success without sacrifice doesn’t exist. Think about the successes you’ve had in your life, haven’t you had to sacrifice something to get where you are now? I know I have. The thing you really have to think about is, was the sacrifice you made, worth the success you now have.

Thought #3 – Hopefulness.

Hopefulness will positively impact your mind and body. So, don’t get caught up in the rhetoric of hopelessness. Instead focus on the positive things that are possible in your personal and professional life. Holding on to positive thoughts leads to positive actions, positive attitude, and a life filled with hope.

---

Quote for the Week

When you become a leader, you lose the right to think about yourself.

-Gerald Brooks

---

An Article for You

Sustaining Hope in Uncertain Times

---

Reflection Questions

• What are your 5 most important values?
• What have you sacrificed to become the person you are today?
• What do you hope for the most?

0