Businessman Ray Kroc said, “The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.” The most effective form of leadership is to exemplify the high expectations you set for others.
It’s said that one-day, Frederick the Great of Prussia was walking on the outskirts of Berlin when he encountered a very old man walking ramrod-straight in the opposite direction.
“Who are you?” Frederick asked his subject.
“I am a king,” replied the old man.
“A king!” laughed Frederick. “Over what kingdom do you reign?”
“Over myself,” was the proud old man’s reply.
You are responsible for yourself. The expectations you set for yourself should outdo the expectations others have of you. We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are, so, if you constantly degrade yourself, you will have a hard time reaching your fullest potential. If you are constantly thinking poorly of yourself, you will always be discouraged. Philosopher Lao Tzu said, “He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty.”
Remember these truths:
- To be an influential leader, you have to believe in your potential.
- You will never enjoy life to the fullest if you don’t challenge yourself to be your best.
- You have to value yourself if you want to find value in what you do.
- You need to be your biggest fan, greatest motivator, and loudest cheerleader.
- If you don’t value yourself, don’t expect others to place a high value on you, either.
- Do not presume you’ll get the most out of life if you don’t get the most out of yourself.
- The greatest opinion we have is the opinion we have of ourselves.
- How you see yourself is how you will see the world around you.
- You will never outperform the way you view yourself.
- You have to see value in who you are before you can add value to others.
Expect yourself to be a person of passion, purpose, and possibilities in all that you do. You were created for more than you can imagine. You were designed to offer this world something very special. Only you have the ability to take what you’ve been given and use it for good. Never bury your potential because you’ve believed the lie that you are not important. Zig Ziglar said, “You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”
Set your expectations high, and you will rise to that level. Be the best version of yourself.
