Several things inspire me regularly, but below is what is lighting my leadership fire right now. These things are better than a RedBull or morning Venti drip. What is it that fills your tank to keep your energy and your passion high? Do you know what it is that you need to do to bring out your best?
Young leaders. In the last week I have met with 4 different young leaders that have visions, dreams, ideas and plans that they are pursuing. I love to be a part of those conversations, adding what insights, tips, tricks and strategies I can to help see them succeed. Hopefully I will soon get to highlight some of them here. A few of them are from Launch501(c3).
Theodore Roosevelt. Historical biographies of great leaders flip my internal leadership switches to “on”. Some people read quotes for inspiration, others read scripture and others still read facebook. I read 300-600 pages manifests that posses keenness for detail and a knack for narrative that press into the depths of what made men and women of our past so extraordinary as leaders. They keep me up late working, inspire me to greater heights, activate my best ideas and challenge me to press beyond my current state of achievements.
Racing. Ever since undertaking my first endurance sport contest last year, I would say my addiction and competition levels have been steadily increasing. The thrill, the challenge, the race day adrenaline, the community and even the painful training and sacrifice have increased my personal energies and intensified my joy for life. My next venture of an unexpected acceptance to the half-ironman on July 18 in No. Cal. has me really going…
Abby Sunderland. I only wish I knew how to sail and had her courage. She set out to be the youngest person ever to solo circumnavigate the globe @ age 16! — Shit!, that is awesome. — I don’t care that she failed and had to be rescued. She tried. She is capable. She is daring, brave, courageous… [fill in the blank]. Ignore the negative media about celebrity book deals, tv shows, pushy parents and product endorsements… that is our world now. Can’t wait till she tries again. Who wouldn’t hire this young, powerful leader?