You are the Captain of your Life

When we talk about leadership, we usually associate it with notable leaders around us. Who is your favourite leader? The usual names that come out are President Barrack Obama, PM Justin Trudeau, and to some people it can be Tun Mahathir, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and President Soekarno. These notable leaders defy the odds, move the people around them and make historical contributions that are remembered throughout the world.

However, have you ever wondered and I am sure most guru leaders will debate on whether leaders are made or born. I held several positions in my carrier but I strongly feel that being a leader starts from you. I believe that You are the Captain of YOUR life. There are four traits that a leader in you should possess. These are I.C.E.S

1. Iron will

2. Compelling desire

3. Effective action

4. Solid belief

Iron Will

I want you to recall on your first day in learning to ride a bicycle. My father brought me a bicycle which had two extra wheels on the back. I am sure you can recall, there is no manual on ways to ride a bicycle. After a few months, he (my Dad) decided to take off the extra wheels. At that time, no padding on the shoulders, elbow, and knees plus no helmet. He was behind me and pushed me off. I pedaled, lost my balance, and fell. I picked myself up. My dad pushed me again, I pedaled, lost my balance, and fell again. This lasted a few hours. My knees and shoulders had lacerations. I threw the bike on the ground and started crying. My Dad puts his arms around me and said,” Di, let’s give it one more shot.” I picked the bicycle up and he was behind me. He pushed, I pedaled, I got my balance and I cycled. Where did that come from? It is from I. Iron will. Do not underestimate your own personal iron will. In life, we will face with struggles and it is up to our iron will that will make us achieve what we want.

Compelling desire

The hunger for success, the hunger to make It happen, the hunger in wanting to make history or leave a legacy. Aren’t these attributes that compels you? The desire to become a charismatic speaker and to support as many people so that they can enjoy a fruitful life with their family members drives me. For these goals, I must thank my biggest fan who happens to be my wife. She has not hesitation giving me feedbacks for me to improve. There are days that we will reach plateaus and these are important. It is those days that will really test your compelling desire.

Effective action

We have our own personal struggles. As business owners, someone who might want to lose weight or someone who wants to finish their studies. I am sure you can relate these struggles and you have your own too. We all have 24 hours in a day. An effective action leader will plan his or her day well. The person will make the fullest of every minute to his or her best ability. This does not mean that you need to compartmentalize your day but your day is filled with activities that brings you closer to your goal. For example, if you say that you do not have time to exercise. You can park your car a few blocks away from your office. This will allow you walk and walking are an exercise. If you are business owner, schedule your meetings with the people close to one another. This will help to reduce travelling time and costs. Effective action also includes proper rest and a sound sleep too.

Solid belief

If you do not believe in yourself, how do you expect others to believe in you? When you set up a vision of yourself, did you ever ask yourself why are you doing it? When do I want to achieve it? How do I want to achieve it? What are the values that I want to possess that helps me to achieve what I want? It is that strong belief that you built in yourself that will make you achieve more. There will be naysayers and those who will ridicule you. Choose to keep faith and choose to believe that I can overcome these obstacles. The stronger belief that you possess, the closer you are in reaching the impossible. Michael Jordan practise 1000 free throw shots every day and he won six championships.

In retrospect, the leader in you should never be underestimated. Remember ICES. Work on your personal leadership because YOU are the CAPTAIN of YOUR LIFE.