What Your Life Becomes…

What Your Life Becomes…

          We weren’t all born into the world with the same monetary wealth or intelligence or physical attributes. Some of us had nothing. Some of us had everything. How you refine your abilities will maximize your impact and allow you to make a positive difference in the world through a level of commitment that will enable your leadership ability to reach its full potential.

           Success may not be defined by what you accomplish but separated by how hard you worked to accomplish your goals and objectives. Some people work just enough and other people work to their potential, and they are not perceived at the same level of success. The same rings true in sports, classroom, and any other aspect of life and leadership. I’ll take the person on my team that works the hardest, understands the team concept, and knows where they came from every time over the more skilled person that settles for their level of mediocrity.

Today is a big day for one of my former students, therefore it is a big day for all her former educators that believed in her thereby allowing her to believe in herself. When you truly have someone behind you that believes in you, that is the “difference maker.” That gives you the edge that other people do not have. That’s the tipping point to greater success. When you have the support from a principal, a teacher, a parent, a colleague, or a friend, then you have a perception breaker. You look in the mirror differently. As she continues her own path of inspiring the people she meets, they will realize that she is behind them, too.

Today, former student Julie finishes her student teaching. Some people did not think she could do it. Other people were inspired by her effort or the fact that she was at least attempting. Julie wasn’t born on a level playing field because she has cerebral palsy. A lot of people do not even know what that means. To other people she is different and they do not want to be bothered. When I look at the barriers she has kicked to the ground, anything is possible. And then there were those of us who always knew from the time we met her that she is something special.

To me, it means she inspires people she does not even know. I have written about her in my books and blogs because she keeps inspiring. She got to the top of one mountain today but there are many more mountains to climb and oceans to swim. So, keep climbing Julie. I look forward to the inspiration. You are on your way to being a great “Difference Maker.”

Julie understood the value of positive climate and culture at an early age. Julie understands goal setting. Julie understands that character and influence create leadership opportunities for everyone. She understands the value of relationship building, and we will continue to learn with her. Congratulations!

In the end, what your life becomes is entirely up to you!