By Lori Hanson
Are you a leader or a follower? Which path comes most easily to you, jumping up and taking charge or waiting until you see what others are going to do before you state your opinion?
Working with teens often reminds me of how painful it can be for kids to be leaders and go against what their friends are doing. When you’re a teen all you want to do is fit in. There are always a few “outcasts” that forge their own path and typically everyone makes fun of them. Sad, but true.
As you progress through life your path becomes more defined. You continue on auto-pilot following what’s easiest for you as leader or follower. If you seek information to help you develop new skills you can step out of your comfort zone and be a leader. But where do you start?
If you have ever explored living life to the beat of a different drum you know what comes next. The naysayers, the poo-pooers, the negative voices that challenge you and ask you what the hell you’re thinking. This can be intimidating and it is possible to be bullied or merely persuaded off your rhythm. It takes guts to do your own thing. Here’s a few things to consider to help you loudly beat a different drum and follow your path:
- Who are the leaders you admire?
- What did they do that was different?
- How did they accomplish their goal(s)?
- What skills did they have that you haven’t acquired yet?
How can you expand your skill set to step out of that blasted comfort zone and do something totally different? Sometimes the people you admire seem so out of reach. One of the best ways to get started building your confidence is to identify your passion—what you’re seriously crazy about. When you feel passion, you will find a way to make it happen. And that’s what you need to help you develop the courage to carry a different drum and follow your own beat.
Something this big carries huge rewards. It is worth the investment to identify your passion and pursue what you’ve always wanted to accomplish. Your passion is closely linked to your purpose—why you’re here on this planet in the first place. If you need help identifying your passion, get our Rock Your Passion DVD. You’ll quickly identify what it is that will help you keep your beat.
©2013
