Inspiration

December 2012

Recently, I was inspired by the passion and energy of the approximately 25,000 people who attended GreenBuild, the annual conference and expo sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council. Not only did I learn more about creating a sustainable future and a greener world, I learned so much about being the leader I want to be.

Try This!

So many nuggets of wisdom were bestowed upon me…below I crystallized the brilliance into my own Top 10 ideas to guide myself as I reflect on my experiences of 2012 and dream into the opportunity of the new year ahead.  Perhaps there is something here that will speak to you…

1. Be boldly, unapologetically who you are. Be authentic and true to yourself. Let your light shine.
2. Follow your passion.  Be passionate!  Wear your passion like a beautiful, vibrant, colorful scarf or tie.
3. Find your platform, speak your voice, share your story, and carry your idea forward.
4. Discover your competencies, use your strengths, tap into your amazing reservoir of talent and the value you bring.
5. Consider what people become when they are with you, and reflect back to them the best in themselves.  Love more.
6. Get involved. Reach out to people who inspire you. Hug, laugh, live.  Make a play date.
7. Embrace change and not knowing what’s coming next.  Pay attention.  Listen.  Let go of the solution and keep your eye on the outcome.
8. Lean forward, act, execute.  Do what makes you feel like you are doing the most important work of your life.
9. Let go of limits, look for the opportunity in crisis, and delve deeper.
10. Lead, influence. Do it in a way that brings everyone along.  Move together as one.

I realized that what I am doing right now is leading me where I am going.  So I am focused on making this the ‘greatest job I ever loved’.

Quotes to Contemplate

• Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities — always see them, for they’re always there. ~Dr. Norman Vincent Peale
• One of the saddest lines in the world is, ‘Oh come now – be realistic.’ The best parts of this world were not fashioned by those who were realistic. They were fashioned by those who dared to look hard at their wishes and gave them horses to ride. ~Richard Nelson Bolles
• The world would have you agree with its dismal dream of limitation. But the light would have you soar like the eagle of your sacred visions.  ~Alan Cohen
• It’s kind of fun to do the impossible. ~Walt Disney

An Inspired Poem

Her Dream Awakened
By Vicki Flaherty

she wanted something
she’d been looking around
for quite some time
hoping to find her path
that special road
uniquely hers

she caught herself
dreaming the answer
slowly floating
easily, gracefully
a clear vision crystalized
in her heart inspired
by passionate people
their purpose and power
opening possibility
in shared conversations
soulful and wise intentions
fueling a better world
energy alive moving
touching
holding them together

like a melody repeating
in her mind
‘be who you are’
authentic and true
she kept asking
what does that look like
exploring the questions
what do I feel, believe, dare to dream?

wonder bubbling
she started leaning
and stretching arms
of influence
holding her finally up
she reached clarity
a picture
of herself

she is flying
as she soars high
lifting others up
under her wings
toward the heavens
and the unknown where
she knows with certainty
nothing but greatness
awaits

© copyright Vicki L. Flaherty, Leading With Intention, 2012