“Dig Deep”.
I love this term. You hear it over and over again in sports, it is meant to motivate one to find their inner strength and use it to push themselves to success! Recently, I travelled to Las Vegas for the XanGo Thrive Convention. Without much free time at these events, it is tough to squeeze in a workout (which is often my only way to personally release stress and angst). Luckily, my co-worker Whitney, brought a workout DVD from the Insanity series. We plugged it into a laptop and did it right there in the hotel room……WOW!! What a workout it was! This was 40 minutes of pure sweat dripping, heart pounding cardio training. The fitness guru leading the charge on this DVD is Shaun T, and the phrase you hear him using the most is “dig deep”.
This got me thinking. What makes me dig deep when it comes to life, when it comes to driving myself towards success? This is a term which I internally repeat, when I’m having a rough day or when I’m feeling overwhelmed. This internal motivation is what I feel will ultimately push me to success when many people with the same choices or in the same circumstances may throw in the towel.
How would you define leadership? What qualities would you identify in a leader of your choosing?
Before you go on…..quickly think of and write down at least 10 qualities which you look for in a leader. Whether it be a political candidate, military leader, church leader, a CEO, etc. Don’t spend more than 45 seconds on this exercise….write down what comes to mind first.
Here are the 10 that I came up with:
- Driven
- Honest
- Positive Attitude
- Communicates Clearly
- Caring
- Focused
- Leads by Example
- Work Ethic
- Intelligent
- Discernment
Now, take your list and determine which of the following three categories, each of the 10 qualities fall into: Skill, Attitude or Knowledge Based.
- Driven – Attitude
- Honest – Attitude
- Positive Attitude – Attitude
- Communicates Clearly – Skill
- Caring – Attitude
- Focused – Attitude
- Leads by Example – Attitude
- Work Ethic – Attitude
- Intelligent – Knowledge
- Discernment – Knowledge
So, here’s my point….of the 10 leadership qualities which I came up with 7 of 10 were determined by the individual’s attitude. DIG DEEP, RIGHT?! Why do we spend so much time learning a trade and perfecting the skills of that trade? Yet, we so rarely spend time on our own attitude, developing ourselves and seeking personal growth?
My challenge to each one of you, is to pick up a new book this week. Pick a book that will help shape you as a leader and DIG DEEP!
#1 by Shali on May 10th, 2010
I read a quote in Success magazine that describes leaders well. It said that leaders do not think less of themselves. Rather they think of themselves less. In other words, leaders think of helping others first and foremost. Interestingly enough, this also falls into the “attitude” category.
Shali´s last blog ..Grandma’s Monkeys
#2 by Willie Jackson on May 16th, 2010
Ashley, your article is right on.
Too often we spend too much time focused on sharpening the ax “blade” and pay little or no attention to the ax “handle”.
Yes we need to have a keenly sharpen blade to perform the work of chopping or cutting.
However, without ensuring the helve (handle) is strong and angled at the correct “attitude” the ax won’t yield the desired results.
Great post!
#3 by Ingrid on July 31st, 2010
Congratulations Ashley, I love your post!!
See you soon in France
#4 by Ingrid on July 31st, 2010
Congratulations Ashley, i love your post!
See you soon in France,
Your friend,
Ingrid