Core Values

Core values basically define who you are as a person. Your values are reflected through your words and actions. As Mahatma Ghandi puts it, "action expresses priorities." Good leaders apply their core values to all aspects of their life. Doing this gives leaders courage to be a leader during difficult decision-making opportunities. It helps during decision-making because you already have set principles that you know are right. So, it gives you direction and you already have your answer, you just have to choose it. As Mr. Fritz says, "Be a leader for the time, not of the time." This is accomplished when you keep your core values in the center of your life. These "big rocks" provide you an anchor, a companion, and a North Star. Those three things aid you in making the right decisions that coincide with your beliefs. So, choose to excercise self-control and decisiveness in order to stay true to your values.

Be Curious and Explore

One way to improve yourself is to look into your surroundings. There are plenty of opportunities to gain more valuable knowledge. Take for instance, your grandparents. They are an important part of your family and have influenced the way you were brought up by your parents. Even if you don't see your grandparents often, you can always call or make special efforts to interact with them.

You may be thinking, "What valuable information can I get from my grandparents who don't understand the modern way of life now?" Well, think about their insights on life and how it should be lived. Did they have any hardships in their life that you could learn from? Do they have any advice on how to improve social relationships?

Chances are, they've got some sort of sage wisdom to share. So, take advantage of your surroundings that are all around you and explore what you can gain by expressing your curiousity.

Difficulties We Face In Leadership

There are many varying things leaders have trouble developing. I struggle with being the same person no matter who I'm with. When I'm with my friends, or people I'm comfortable with, I tend to be myself. But when I'm surrounded by people I don't know very well or don't feel comfortable with, I usually retreat back and stay reserved. I do this because it's hard for me to know that I'm being judged. I think to myself that if people say negative things or even act negatively towards me, it's okay because they don't know me. But it's something different when they critcize who I actually am. So, this is probably the biggest area in my life that needs major improvement. I also tend to agree with everybody on pretty much everything because I don't want to offend them. So, I also need to work on standing up for what I believe.

What are some areas that may need improvement in your life?