“Positive thinking is not about expecting the best to happen every time but accepting that whatever happens is the best for this moment.” Author Unknown

The eternal optimist is a beautiful sound when describing of leadership character. We often associate the eternal optimist with the first part of today’s thought. Expecting the best to happen every time is an encouraging consideration, but not as realistic as we would like. One reason is because who and how the word “best” is defined determines the direction of our optimism.

The latter half of the thought helps direct the magic of positive thinking. As Christians, when we trust that whatever happens in our life is best for this moment, then we begin to look at each situation as an opportunity to learn and grow in relationship to God. This is where positive thinking is born and the results create a far better approach to a life well-lived.

Reflecting on the first week of 2016, may all our resolutions, goals, plans, or whatever we work to achieve be bathed in positive thinking in the truest nature of the characteristic.

At one time or another, we all feel a little less than our best. Perhaps we had a poor night’s sleep or we experienced “one of those days.”

During times like these we can become susceptible to a virus, our energy levels are lower, we feel achy, and we may suffer with a fever. Generally speaking, we do not feel well.

This post is not advocating that we show up to work when contagious and risk infecting everyone. However, Jerry West made an interesting statement, “You can’t get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good.”

We need to learn how to work through the times when we do not feel as good as other days.

Remember our purpose. Do not lose sight of why we are leading.

Put one foot in front of the other. At times, just getting started helps.

Focus on the goal. The result promises to be worth the effort.

Remain dedicated to finish. It is not how we start, but how we finish that makes a difference.

Leadership motivates us to show up everyday!

It’s not about changing them, it’s about changing us.

Give this principle thought. The general mindset of leadership is about changing others. After all, spiritually speaking, we are leading, right? The purpose of our leadership is changing others, right? Are we not supposed to change others?

However, before we can change others we must first change ourselves. It is far too easy to ask others to do what we are either unwilling to do or have not done yet.

The power of change begins with us. When we make changes in our own lives first, then we are setting an example for others to see why they should change also.

When leadership provides the example of change, then consistency is the model. Perhaps this is why God requires repentance of all.

A change of mind motivates the change of will, which in turn changes the direction of our action.

As leaders in our homes, communities, schools, jobs, and the church, let us first work on changing ourselves and then seek opportunity to help others change.

This week’s word means “to give an incentive for action.” We know motivation carries a similar thought within specific contexts. For example, “we need to determine the type of motivation that enable us to reach the goal.” Or, “motivation for the group is needed.”

Leaders encounter numerous challenges, and one of the most challenging is motivating people who appear to be unmotivated. Appealing to the unmotivated may take different forms, but we can start by asking a few simple questions.

Do the people involved know they are supposed to do a specific task?

Do they know how to perform the actions required?

When was the last time they were reminded?

Are the reasons these actions are important clearly stated?

Are there clear guidelines of the consequences?

Are regular evaluations of progress in place?

Once these questions are answered, appealing to the self-interests of others can assist in the motivation needed. Learning these interests lays a strong foundation for how motivate others.

Remember, as leaders we strive to lead someone from point A to point B. Determining how to motivate others in this journey is critical to goal achievement.

Perhaps the most difficult area to measure in Christianity is spiritual growth. The most common approach for spiritual growth is an increase in our Bible knowledge. This is why the push from the pulpit invites us to spend more time studying our Bibles.

Without a doubt, we need to grow in our knowledge of God’s word. However, knowledge of God’s word does not equate to spiritual growth, and we all know this is true.

Measuring spiritual growth, i.e. determining our spiritual health, occurs on the battle field of application. How many times have we heard or said that someone “knows better?” Their knowledge may be fine, but the problem is implementing that knowledge into action.

Far too often, the problem we face is not knowing how to do what scripture teaches. We need to find ways to bridge the gap from the first century writing of God’s word into the twenty-first century life. The task is easier said than done.

Over the next few weeks we will examine a few ways to make application of specific teaching in order to improve our spiritual health development.

From the Turner family to all of you – Happy New Year.

Make this day the first of many that influence others for the greatest cause on earth.

We pray God’s richest blessings and all the best of the new year for you and your family.

Everyone knows the value of good planning. Leaders especially appreciate the need to make the proper plans to reach established goals.

Tonight we say goodbye to a year through which we will never walk again. We cannot relive it. We cannot change it. All we can do is examine it and make plans to create a difference for the future.

Plans are not New Year’s resolutions.

Plans are not goals.

Plans involve the activities necessary to keep our resolutions and reach our goals.

How vital is it we have plans? There is an old adage used by several that says, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”

We all need personal short and long-term goals. The same is true at every corporate level. How we plan to reach our goals makes a difference.

Before we commit to our New Year’s resolutions; before we set up goals for the year ahead; let us sit down and establish the details of a proper plan to ensure success for 2016.

Train as a team!

Understanding teamwork and training as a team is obviously significant to the overall success of the group. However, there are some “do’s and don’ts” to fully comprehend training as a team.

Training and working as a team does not place everyone in an equal position. There are specific roles each member must fulfill in order for the unit to function properly. Problems will arise when anyone in a leadership position begins to navigate on their own and no longer follows the proper organizational flow of communication and authority.

Training and working as a team does place everyone on the same page. When a unit works as a team the goals are communicated and understood. Every individual understands their specific tasks to reach the goals. Also, each person is diligent to fulfill their responsibilities without casting blame on someone else for not carrying their weight.

Training as a team has great advantages for the development of any organization. This is especially true within the area of spiritual leadership. When we work together, each fulfilling our necessary roles, the group wins.

The beginning of a new year is only a few days away, and a new year brings opportunity for new beginnings.

Many people need a day like the first day of a new year to work on changes in their life. Some start working on new and better habits in life and others find ways to stop bad ones.

Regardless of the need for a first day of a new year, week, day, or moment, recognizing the need to improve our lives is a positive step in the right direction.

Leaders should always think about how we can use these opportunities to lead in the cause of Christ. Is today a new beginning to lead…

A soul to the light of our Savior?
A straying brother or sister to the family of God?
A deeper study into the truths of God’s word?
A more passionate approach to speak with God in prayer?

Whatever the need may be for each of us, every day is a new beginning. Let us reach forward to achieve spiritual leadership for our Lord in this day and throughout new year.

The last few days of the year bring a focus on renewal. Considering the idea of resolutions for 2016, a couple of thoughts come to mind.

Resolve to improve physical health. We know we need to take care of our physical health. Instead of a new diet, resolve to be moderate. Learn to not eat beyond comfort. Also, add exercise. This is not a push to be in the gym five times a week, but taking small steps to do more. Why not park further away from the store and walk? A brisk walk of twenty to thirty minutes a day will bring surprising results.

Resolve to improve spiritual health. Nothing takes more precedence. This is not about reading and praying more. Obviously, we all need more time reading the Bible and praying more. However, spiritual health involves application of what is written. Instead of speaking in anger, think of the song “Angry Words.” Perhaps the new year will bring a few posts on other practical suggestions for an application of spiritual health.

May this last week help each of us with a new approach.