The quote above is from none other than the leadership guru himself, John Maxwell. He is right.
Have you ever noticed how many people set enormous goals and then don’t do anything noteworthy to accomplish them? Or perhaps you have noticed the opposite. You know, like people complaining about situations without the willingness to do something to change it. It’s remarkable, really. So let’s do something about it. Here’s how.
Six Principles to Help Leaders Control the Controllables
- Militate Against Comparison
You can’t control other people. You can influence them, sure. But you can’t control them. So fight against your desire to compare yourself to those around you. Keeping up with the Jones family next door has become even more daunting than ever in the social media snapshot world in which we live. Everyone posts perfect pictures of their perfect life. We often try to compare their best day with our worst days. Comparison sets us up for failure every time. Even if we compare ourselves and then “feel better than someone” else, that’s still a whacked out thought pattern. Paul urges us to, “in humility, consider others better than ourselves”. The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday.
- The Man in the Mirror
There are many things in this world that we can’t control, but one thing we can always control is the man in the mirror. You may not have control over the situation, but you can control your response. Focus on taking control of yourself and watch what happens.
- No Excuses
Why make excuses? Do they ever satisfy? Here’s a simple solution, but you’re not going to like what you read. If there is an outcome you want in your life and you don’t have it yet, it is your fault. Don’t waste your breath bringing these weak justifications into existence.
- Don’t Complain, Execute
If you are complaining, you are not controlling the controllables. Events happen. Circumstances change. Situations occur. It’s our responsibility to recognize our current reality and do all that we can to move closer to our desired reality. Your positive response to a negative situation allows you to demonstrate high-level influence.
- You’re Not Entitled
Get this concept in your brain, God doesn’t owe you anything. You don’t deserve to be handed anything. If you want something, go get it. When I enunciate phrases like this, people say “Chase, you lack compassion and sensitivity”. The truth is, I love you and I am telling you this because love honors the truth. And yes, the truth hurts sometimes.
- Detach from Needing a Paycheck
As a leadership coach, I see it far too often. I go through a high-level gap analysis with the person I am coaching. We identify their current reality and desired reality. Then we create a comprehensive strategy on how to get from one point to the next. Eventually, we uncover potential obstacles that will prevent this person from making the progress they need to make. The main obstacle (almost without fail) is they can’t afford to make some of the adjustments that need to be made. They can’t afford to leave a job they hate because they are tied to their paycheck. They have been living paycheck to paycheck for so long that their family is literally dependent upon that money showing up in their bank account every two weeks. It is disgusting how many people do a bad job with money. That’s why Dave Ramsey is a multi-millionaire many times over. People are idiots with money. So do yourself a favor and untangle yourself from needing a paycheck. Cut some unnecessary expenses for twelve months and save up for a day when you need to take a risk that may require some money in the bank. I promise this newfound freedom will be a catalyst for you to become a better version of yourself.
Do these six things to start to control the controllables in your world and watch how quickly your dreams become your reality.
Love,
-CK