Episode 195: "The Best Is Yet to Be!"

Greetings, Summit Leaders.

 

What do you believe for your future?  

 

Be encouraged and believe "the best is yet to be."  

 

Bo Swilley, my friend and a great encourager whispered a word of encouragement to me, "the best is yet to be," during a time of serving together on August 20, 2017.  

 

The timing of Bo's words was perfect and boosted my confidence.

Bo's words gave me a quote that came to mind this morning that I underlined and dated from the book he shared with me. Someone once said, "Truthful lips stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed, and all things are possible to those who believe."

 

What we believe matters. Our belief system drives our thinking, affecting our hearts and actions. What we believe affects everything about our lives.

 

Our beliefs generate optimism for the journey ahead.

 

What vision do you believe will come to pass?

 

Someone once said, "Now faith is being sure of what you hope for, and certain of what you do not see. 

 

Are you expecting, anticipating, and preparing for it? Keep working, watching, and waiting because faith without works is dead.

 

 

"In hope against hope, he believed and became..." is a great quote describing one man's response to what appeared to be an impossible set of circumstances. How can we respond when changes come? Don't stop believing!

 

A Summit alum shared his experience in a Harvard University class focusing on leadership in sales. "My takeaway was that sellers who are optimistic are more productive than those who are not." 

 

He shares insights from the book, Learned Optimism, How to Change Your Mind and Your Life by Martin E. P. Seligman.

 

Optimists are realistic; they contemplate the facts and do not deny that the circumstances are challenging, and the road to victory can be months or even years ahead.

 

Optimists protect their thinking against every negative thought not aligned with their vision and purpose. The key is our perspective. How are we interpreting and explaining our life and career moments?

 

During the challenging days, months, and years ahead, resolve to be faithful in your responsibilities to others and do your work. Expectation, anticipation, and preparation describe the mindset of great leaders.

 

Remember your purpose, vision, goals, and victories.  

Ask, "What steps can I take to increase how optimism is a dominant attribute in me as a leader?"

Reflect on your journey and the insights you gained.  
Please note events, circumstances, and how someone inspired you with their optimism in your journal.
Be the optimist for someone each day.
Practice.

 

Someone shared this quote that I recite to help me maintain my optimism. "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

 

Optimism outwardly expressed in our words, actions, and body language is essential and contagious when working with colleagues, clients, family, and friends.

 

Choose today to be an optimist!

 

Victory!