Written by: Wil Becker, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
When it comes to self-leadership it has been my experience that the most successful people hold themselves accountable. They also find accountability partners that help them to stay the course. It doesn’t matter what the industry is or their specific profession. Aristotle said, “We are what we do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit.”
The pursuit of personal improvement can be as addictive as some substances. It can cloud the vision of those on the path seeking personal growth, like the fog in a mountain valley. It is not so easy to consider it a balance between work and family life. It is more a balance of development between different personality traits, or as Ben Franklin called them “virtues”.
The individual that can maintain a steady pace and a balance between the different virtues is the one that over time has the greatest growth. In Ben Franklin‘s life, he picked 13 virtues and rotated them every week throughout the year. This model allowed him to spend four weeks a year on each “virtue”. Over time, it became evident to him that success in each “virtue” multiplied across the others.
This personal growth of Franklin's was so powerful that it still resonates to this day. His autobiography is one of the most popular books internationally. This mountain that life invites us to climb provides not only strength of character but also can deliver us out of certain trials.
Danny was being lied about in his office. Bobby, one of his coworkers, was accusing him of doing things that were not within his character. Finally, Bobby told the story of how Danny cussed him out. Now, this was the final lie that destroyed Bobby, because the entire office knew that Danny did not use curse words. Bobby’s lies came tumbling down around him.
Bobby’s credibility and trustworthiness were destroyed. His coworkers no longer gave him the benefit of doubt when he would talk about others. Everything Bobby said became scrutinized by the other individuals in his office.
Now Danny was a big enough man that he forgave Bobby. However, enough damage was done to Bobby's reputation that it took a long time for him to recover it.
This mountain, our own personal Everest, is the person that we can potentially become. Since each of us is a unique individual our mountains will be different. The benefit of books, mentors, seminars, audios, videos, and self-reflection is that we can capitalize on other people’s experiences.
The reason that I read and listen to audiobooks is that it’s the fastest way to personal development outside of having a personal mentor with a long-standing close relationship. Imagine it: Ben Franklin‘s autobiography covers around 40 years of his life. Within a few hours, you or a person like myself can borrow his experience to apply it to your own life.
The other benefit from reading, listening, and associating with brilliant men and women who have climbed their own mountains is that we can understand their trials, pitfalls, and triumphs! We learn that while Ben Franklin is an esteemed statesman and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America, he was still human.
My friends, I appeal to you, “This is the Way”!
“This is the Way” that we can multiply our efforts. This is the way that we can also set an example for others. Our mountains may be different, yet we can still help others along the way.
If you were looking for a book recommendation, I have over 250 books listed on my website (https://turningleafs.com/book-list/). I encourage you to find a great read. If you are not able to decide, then you can contact me through social media and ask for a recommendation.
Wil Becker, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Wil is a serial entrepreneur with several businesses under his belt. He has served in several leadership roles over the last 25 years as a Youth Pastor and Congregational Leader. He has also served with the Boy & Cub Scouts organizations as a leader. He has moved up in his profession because of his leadership skills and his consistent self-education. Wil seeks out the best books and mentors to learn from. His desire to help others got him to start Turning Leaf Solutions and open the doors to his coaching business! He is excited to help you become your best self!!
