Start Where you Are!
Campbell Lumbila December 10th, 2009
Many of us want to achieve big things but we easily get discouraged when we think of all the energy, time and resources it will take to reach our goals. There is a Chinese proverb that says that ” a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” That might cliche but its the absolute truth. Everything you want to achieve in life, regardless of how big it might be, begins with a simple step or action.
Forming a company that makes a difference in people’s live begins when you put down your ideas on paper, begin saving money to fund your enterprise and eventually stepping out to put feet to your faith. Many people think they need a lot of money to start a business but that is not always true. Start where you are. If all you can afford to save is a few dollars, find a way of being involved in some sort of trade. Trade begins when you find a need and fill it.
I remember growing up in Zambia, Africa and being sent by my mother to buy vegitables from a group of old women by the street corner. What theydid may have looked degrading but they started where they were. The street boys in my city who came to the bus I was riding and sold bubble gum started where they were. The most important thing is not how you begin your journey but rather how you end it.
This principle applies to leadership as well. Many of us might feel and know that we are leaders at heart. We enjoy leading people and helping them achieve great things. However, we might find ourselves in positions at work, school, church or social spheres where we are the ones being led. My encouragement to you is; start where you are. We must learn to say to people, “FOLLOW ME, AM RIGHT BEHIND YOU (John C Maxwell).” In other words we must learn to lead while we follow. One way to do that is to develop a servant leadership philosophy for our lives. We must learn to lead while serving because this is the most effective way to lead anyway. Let us find ways to serve the people around us and not just those above us. Servant leadership builds influence and influence is Leadership. Therefore, start where you are!
Lastly, as we draw to the close of this year, I know many have already vowed to do things differently in 2010. However, I want to encourage you to start where you are. Don’t wait for january 2010 to start thinking about your goals and objectives. Don’t wait to start the excercise of self evaluation. Create some time now for self evaluation and planning so that you can hit the ground running in January 2010.
The art of starting where you are is the art of self Leadership and self awareness. Its the secret of great achievers so Start where you Are!