I have three daughters aged thirty eight, twenty one and eighteen years old and I arrived at the realization that the best way to influence someone to change their behavior is to inspire them. Classrooms are full of students and the world is full of people who have excelled in academics yet, the world is full of educated derelicts.
It is behavior that shapes a person’s character and not their Grade Point Average. It is how people live their lives that make them a success. The world is full of less educated millionaires and some billionaires. I am not saying that one’s net worth is what makes them a success, but what I am saying is that it is the character of the person that propels them ahead in any endeavor.
There are countless stories of men or women who came from dire circumstances to become models of success. So what is it that inspires people to succeed? What is that internal locus of control or that fire inside that makes one succeed? I don’t have all of the answers to that question, but I believe that I can give it a good enough attempt to make a difference for someone.
I believe that the appropriate provocative questions at the opportune moment can provide for a healthy introspect on why we do what we do. I’ll give it my best attempt.
- What is your purpose for doing what you do? What drives you, what guides you, and what compels you to think, speak, and act the way you do?
- What dominates your thoughts, your intentions, and your actions?
- What are the roots of your aspirations, your passions, and your commitments?
- Who are the people, what are the bonds and the foundations, and what are the values and beliefs that you place first as you think and before you speak and act?
- Where do you go for answers?
- What is it that defines you and how do you define yourself?
- What do you pray for or ask for persistently?
- What deters you or what do you allow yourself to be deterred by?
- How do you learn about yourself?
- How do you talk to yourself?
- What is your self talk and do you like yourself?
- Where did you come from and where are you going?
- Why are you here?
My friends, this list could go on for a very long time and each one of these questions could almost be a thesis in and of itself. My purpose here was to provide you with some food for thought. My intent is to help inspire you to find the light that is within you and that is within all of us. Where there is a flicker of light, there can be more light and a great opportunity for self discovery.
I believe that you have that light within you and your responsibility is to illuminate your blessings or your talents, however you wish to call them. Be a light for someone else today so that you may inspire them to become more than they are. Empower yourself so that you may empower others.
Make it a terrific day!
Leo