How often do we know what we should be doing and where our attention should be given, but then we get distracted? I intended to post this blog earlier, but as you may have guessed…I got distracted.

Distractions are not always major events that cause us to lose sight of what is most important. Sometimes, the smallest of situations occur and a moment later we are consumed to the point we ignore all else, even when we know we need to remain focused.

As leaders, we must constantly evaluate the direction of our leadership: character, priorities, influence, responsibilities, etc. Evaluation is a daily occurrence, a time to reflect on our actions and – if necessary – redirect our attention back to the foundational values of our life and leadership.

Take a few moments each day, and maybe several times during the day, to reflect. Are we distracted in an area that has moved our sights from our core values or the goal(s) we established?

Make the necessary adjustments and get back on track. Distractions will come in various shapes and sizes, but strive to prevent them from setting up house to stay longer than warranted.

What is a leader’s greatest asset? Answers to the question may vary from one individual to the next. However, in leadership circles the greatest asset is trust. If people lose trust in their leader, they will not follow and without followers there is no leadership.

Perhaps the most relevant area to consider involves developing trust as a leader. What can leaders do in order to establish a relationship of trust? A few suggestions include the following:

1. Demonstrate competence. The demonstration of wisdom in decision-making and follow-through helps leaders show a competence that followers demand.

2. Eliminate inconsistencies. Hypocrisy is one of the most detrimental and discouraging areas of leadership. Learning to align our words and actions with our core values eliminates inconsistency.

3. Cultivate character. While challenging, character development is vital to successful leadership and integrity is the cornerstone upon which we cultivate trust.

More could be said about this asset so desperately needed in leadership, but these three provide a basis upon which to begin our journey towards establishing trust.

More can be written on courage than we have space for in this post, but we should consider that courage is more than an attribute. Courage is a choice made in the moment it is needed.

We could talk about areas that create fear and the affects of that fear. We could also examine a number of ways to overcome fear. Some favorites: acknowledge what we are afraid of, and face our fears.

We know the need exists to demonstrate healthy fear when danger can inflict harm to ourselves and others.

What really enables us to overcome the battles and storms of life that seem to intimidate and discourage us? What empowers us to overcome the insecurities, doubt, and distractions that prevent the choice of courage?

We must fight the battles and endure the storms that come our way in life. Through it all, one powerful thought is needed for leaders. God is with us and He is for us. Read Romans 8:31-39.

Workout programs are a dime a dozen. A Google search reveals millions of routines available that guarantee results. Each individual or organization promotes their product(s) as part of the optimum workout program with the intent of enticing people to buy-in.

Whether we want to lose weight, bulk up, or define muscle intonation, there are numerous possibilities available with the click of the mouse button. The big push now is not just to start the program, but how to motivate people to continue in the program.

Those who search through these programs indicate a desire to improve their lives. Maybe its the desire to look better, fit in our clothes better, or just enjoy better overall health. The bottom line is a desire to improve physically.

Imagine the spiritual difference when leaders appeal in similar ways to improve the spiritual lives of those who desire to be better.

How do we appeal to people and encourage them to get started and motivate them to continue? The optimum level results in lives that are changed for the short-term and the long haul. How are we doing?

Albert Einstein is credited with say, “If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.”

The search for happiness appears to be the never ending pursuit of most people. Some search for happiness in material things or vast wealth, as if the accumulation of money or stuff will bring happiness.

Some pursue happiness through relationships, looking for “Mr. or Mrs. Right,” as though someone else can make them happy.

The list could go on, but all of these areas will disappoint in the long run.

Einstein’s thought deserves attention in the arena of leadership. Concerning the church today, and following on the heels of yesterday’s post on success, imagine the atmosphere in people’s lives individually and the church corporately when we are tied and committed to a goal.

One of the primary tasks of leaders is to provide a vision that followers can be passionate about because when they are passionate about it they will give their lives to it. Then, we set a goal before them that will drive every breath, thought, and action.

Happiness will most likely follow.