How Do You Seize the Day?
Do you take advantage of opportunities? Do you have a get-it-done mentality, or do you procrastinate? Time is short, windows of opportunity open, and then they shut.
Here are three tools we need to Seize the Day - “CARPE DIEM”
- Preparation
- Adaptability
- Courage to embrace the challenges
1. Preparation
Are you diligent in preparing before events overtake you? As we encounter varying and often unpredictable circumstances, the planning and preparation that we, as leaders, have undertaken up to this point will define our effectiveness. Consistent preparation allows us to discern better, prioritize better, and execute better. Dwight Eisenhower said, “Plans are worthless, but planning is essential.” Leaders that plan maximize their capacity to think. As we optimize our ability to think and adjust, we will grow in our boldness, able to truly seize the day.
2. Adaptability
Do you adapt to uncontrollable circumstances, or are you frustrated when you cannot execute your plans as you precisely intended? Planning is important, but if one cannot be flexible based upon circumstances, plans become handcuffs. Confident leaders know that uncontrollable circumstances will not derail them, because they have the conviction that they can confidently adapt. Adaptability is a key to thriving in a forever-changing world. The ability to adapt prevents us from being knocked off course and therefore allows us to seize each day.
3. Courage to embrace the challenges
Do you embrace challenges, or do fear and doubt take over? All of us, without exception, are faced with circumstances that we fear. Some misunderstand the existence of fear as a lack of courage. In fact, courage shows itself when we are most afraid -- when we choose not to be static -- not to be paralyzed, but to move forward despite our anxiety. All great leaders exhibit this quality. When everyone around us knows, sees, and feels the commitment and focus to win through adversity and seize the day, everyone will be inspired to take another step.
When we are prepared and we are flexible, we will have the courage that will push us through our fears and doubts. We can then seize the day, inspiring everyone around us to take another step.
