True Leadership Is Mastery

Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength
and soul can be a true master. For this reason, mastery demands all of a person.
~ Albert Einstein

For the last two weeks we’ve been exploring the Ground Rules of Grit; and how they may be much different than what you’ve been led to believe.

Let me begin by asking you to honestly ponder a question:

Why do you do what you do?

Please be completely honest in your own self-assessment, for as we’ve discussed many times, there’s no value whatsoever in lying to yourself.

Most, when honest, must confess that they do what they do to “get.”

  • Money
  • Security
  • Accolades
  • Attention

But these are not authentic motivators.

Not for true leadership or sustainable grit anyway.

Motivation comes from outside; and is temporary.
Inspiration comes from inside;
and is sustainable when founded in purpose and love.

True leaders do what they do for the sake of doing. Their reward comes from the action, the commitment and the activity itself.

True leaders have an incredible work ethic. They continue to practice, work, and improve, even when those observing think they’ve “already reached the pinnacle.”

Why?

Love.

Commitment to mastering their craft.

The 22 Imperatives of Leadership: #20 – Leaders Make the Odysseus Commitment

A hunger for endless growth and improvement.

In today’s world a commitment to mastery is rare.
Mastery takes grit, emotional strength, mental toughness and time.

So again, why do you do what you do?

If it’s for anything external, then what will you do when those things are not present or when they go away?

If my life and business would have been centered in the money, the praise and accolades; the house, the bank account, and business in 2009…

If my identity had been centered and built around my public image when the news and social media started attacking and crucifying…

When I lost my business, my life savings, my home, my so-called friends, reputation and liberty…

What would I have left?

If my reason for being and very identity was grounded in those things, then who was I?



While it hurt badly; while it certainly spun me out; fortunately, I got back to being grounded in who I truly am; and why I’m really here.

How about you?

When you have it, then you’ll have it. Regardless of external situations and circumstances.

This my friend is Leadership.

This is True Power.

Time to take it back!

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Who am I; and why am I here?
  • Am I committed more to money or mastery?
  • Do I clearly know my purpose for being on this planet?
  • Do I know what I really love beyond my programmed socialized mind?
  • Would I do what I do for no external reward if necessary?
  • If I don’t know my true hearts-desire, then what must I do to find it?
  • How would it feel to jump up each day with a burning love to do the things I’m here to do?
  • How would it feel to be so clear on this purpose and love, that nothing or no one could shake my certainty?
  • Do I think this clarity is possible for me to achieve?
  • When would NOW be the time to find it?

There’s more.

There’s always more.

Be a Leader; Live Your Purpose; and Take Your Power Back!

James