Arthur J. Rutledge is a mindset and leadership speaker, coach, and trainer. He helps people to beam with their dreams and how to put fire on their desires. Best selling Author of the new book "11 Pillars of Confidence" published by the L.A. Tribune. Also an entrepreneur and co-founder of Peoples Pride.
The best intention for our inherent growth is stepping daily into our possibilities. The realization of things that keep us bound to our surroundings can be blown up in a second or transmuted into something phenomenal. Believe it or not, our best self is front and center when we need it most. As we face dark points in our existence, we come to know that we can always step into the light of our truest possibilities. This course relies on several key abilities and a huge sense of efficacy. The practice of becoming competent in our aspirations makes these particular keys paramount when reaching for our imminent success.
I live in New York City, where we are surrounded by different paths in the form of the MTA, Metro Transit Authority. I am always amazed that this metal tube is made to transport hundreds of thousands of people daily, giving it the power to dictate the destiny of those who ride it. I suppose this is why it is a recognized authority, because it reigns supreme, notoriously consistent in bringing people to their destination.
I have seen people almost lose important limbs just to be included in the travel of this mighty steel machine. Best not to be late, or you may not see that limb again. The train is relentless. It does not need you to be on it to get to where it is going. Sometimes it is delayed, and sometimes it never shows. It does not care about your perspective. It is on a mission, and it means to succeed. It is interesting that something man-made can have so much power over man.
A person’s mind is also of their own making. Stop, go, slow, fast, veer, delay. These find us at every stop. Unlike the train, which does not hold on to its transgressions but simply arrives at its appointed commute, we seem to hold on to our transgressions, letting them make us disembark from the destination we set for ourselves.
What is the best way to resolve this? Prepare our minds to be more creatively agile and believe that we are destined to achieve what we dare to pursue. Here are a few tried and trusted instruments to keep your attention on its reward:
The keys to win
Awareness
Mind-clearing routines are necessary maintenance to turn cluttered thinking into focused thoughts. Better attention, stronger awareness, and more accomplished. In my book 11 Pillars of Confidence, I discuss how we can learn to stand tall in the face of disparity by accepting the things within and beyond our locus of control. This rise in awareness can help us step into excellence despite our inevitable mistakes.
Letting go of baggage, including doubt, shame, and blame, frees us. You can both protect and invoke the power of your authentic self while fostering appreciation and faith in the fact that you are the proprietor of your human experience, no matter the pitfalls.
The awareness that knowing yourself is the key to making your dreams come true is a confidence booster. If you operate from an external locus of control, it is easy to feel that everything is happening to you. One mindset embraces acceptance and accountability. The other fosters despair and suppresses growth while projecting tendencies. The decisions you practice will duplicate.
My first job catalyzed my awareness. I was years ahead of my peers and worked hard to develop strong decision-making skills. I became surer of myself, which motivated me to pursue more work, even when I was unsure of what I wanted to do. It gave me the confidence to take on whatever came my way. Furthermore, I learned to detach myself from unnecessary stress. I started to become the authentic, laid-back guy who chats with you now.
Self-belief
Imagination is intrinsic and intricate. It bridges the hidden with the tangible. Your reason in life is directly linked to an idea. Your idea is a new space where exploration takes place and experience takes form. It is the carbon that strengthens your steel. Your willpower fuels the energy that transforms desires into reality through commitment and decision. This happens through sheer determination and self-belief.
As Mark Twain states, “You can’t depend on your judgment of a thing when your imagination is out of focus.”
In life, much like in chess, we sometimes find ourselves in a position where every choice seems to lead to an undesirable outcome. But we must always make a move. Do not worry. This is practice for stretching our imagination. If you find yourself stuck in self-doubt, your imagination will be stuck too. Own your potential to harness your power. Build high hopes, clear the path, and arrive on time.
Consistency
If you have never heard of the popular online app Clubhouse, this is your chance to explore what it has to offer. I mention it not to gain favor but to acknowledge the opportunity I found by advocating for the community it fosters.
I practiced consistency by creating content and building leaders who shared a desire to empower voices. I started chat rooms that embodied a culture of heart-driven interconnectedness. I believe in the capacity of humanity to flourish in environments of love. That energy infused every gathering we hosted. The result was that people discovered their authentic uniqueness, walking away with a new appreciation for themselves.
I found that consistency takes on three forms of influence:
How to show you care. Showing up consistently means being present and valuing what others have to say.
What authentic interaction looks like. As people get to know your personality, they become more willing to be vulnerable and open-minded in communication.
Why people should trust you. When you consistently collaborate, people recognize your integrity, and trust naturally follows.
John C. Maxwell’s book The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth states, “Motivation gets you going, but discipline keeps you growing.” When we are consistent, we know it, and so does everyone else. Our willpower is directly tied to our discipline and zest for life. When we truly want something, we pursue it relentlessly. Make your story a legend through consistency.
Preparation
Preparation builds your capacity to give what is needed when opportunity arises. Instead of relying on instinct alone, let the practice of critical thinking shape better, more conscious behaviors. This requires a high level of awareness and dedication, but trust that you will not let important moments slip by.
Sometimes, that opportunity appears as an unknown train at first glance, yet it carries the fruit of untold possibilities. That is why the saying “faith it till you make it” became my mantra.
I held the rank of Life Scout while enrolled in the Boy Scouts of America. We can never truly grasp the power of an ideal until we are connected to it. Regardless, I only understood the significance of the Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared,” years later, after realizing that success is about preparing for the unforeseen and trusting our creative instincts to rise in uncertain circumstances.
I learned to embody being physically strong, mentally alert, and morally upright. This phrase is now etched into my core. Thank you, Boy Scouts.
"Success takes preparation, which is why confidence isn’t given, it is learned. If success was easy everyone would have it, it must be developed through experience and hard work." – Heather Monahan
Unlocking one's potential is something to be celebrated. Life can be a distraction and can pull us in unwanted directions. I like to encourage you to search your inner self to know that digging for gold takes dealing with the dirt and knowing that the dirt isn’t you. Value your value is a phrase that you can use as a reminder to embrace being golden. Mostly I believe our trains in life are designed to adopt mental fortitude and emotional agility to our abilities. I believe in you to believe in yourself enough to ride the train to whatever your intended destination. Mastery should always be the goal and that only happens when we are in the consistent state of holding the key that unlocks the door to your success. Shine on!
Read more from Arthur J. Rutledge
Arthur J. Rutledge, Author, Leadership Speaker & Coach
Arthur J. Rutledge is a thought leader with an unwavering mission to enhance, cultivate, and empower over a million leaders to fulfill their pure potential in life. Starting from a young age, his love for people became fundamental and sparked his passion for giving back by supporting people in their personal growth. 2024 marked the fruition of that endured vision with the new book " 11 Pillars of Confidence, build and Lead an Empowered You." He is also an entrepreneur, owner of Kap Group Events NYC, and co-founder of the online store Peoples Pride. His abetment in life is to continue helping people to reinvent and reinforce the vertical mindset, the words he is known to say as an encouragement to all, "Shine on!"
