Leading the pack

As we start a new year, we all have a chance to make it better than the year before. It's starts with YOU.
To truly make a change, for the better, you have to do something different. As Einstein said, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results.

In a recent class I attended,we discussed in depth, about leadership and that there are many levels. Are you leader because you are a supervisor at work? Yes, you are a leader because of your title. But in all honesty, you are a leader because you have the title.
There is a big difference between a manager and a leader.

A true leader is based on principles and values, and what you really stand for. People follow great leaders because the leader themself believes in themselves and lives to show it and  to prove it.
I have had several excellent compliments this week, and the key words were "inspiring", "helping" and "showing".
Those people truly appreciate what I stand for and why I do, what I do.
Everyday I have an opportunity to help others become more than they were the day before. From my children, who need guidance and love and role model to follow, to my members at the YMCA, that need to be shown that fitness and healthy, is a way of life.

I surround myself with like-minded people and together, we can influence them to do, what they may not normally do. By stepping out and doing what is not normally you, you will find that there are others like you and you will make new friends. You will find a difference.
I believe that we dream within our comfort zone, limited by our family, friends and finances.
So, step out, dream bigger, fulfill your life.

We all  have things in our life that are scary, people that we avoid, maybe a job that's tough and we put it off. We stay in the "zone" where there is no stress but also no change.
So, as the new year approaches, and we have the chance to make a change, and be better, and more fulfilled, I challenge you to find that thing, that influences your life in a positive way, and embrace it. Make friends with scary things and they won't be so scary anymore.

Someone once told me, that they couldn't do something, now this person, is one of friendliest and caring people I know, and I am still stumped. I see her potential, I see how she is with her children, mentoring and leading them, and I know what she does for a living. And I cannot understand that she believes that she can't do something. She shines in so many ways....I know why, it's out of her comfort zone. She can do it, but will she step outside that place, putting risk on the line? I know she won't fail or fall, because as her friend, I will be there to catch her.
You can do anything you want, if you are willing to go out on a limb, and surround yourself with people who lift you up.

If I had never stepped out of my comfort zone, I would not have moved to Texas from Canada, I would not be teaching fitness classes, I would not be married to a wonderful man, I would not be successful in my career and I would not represent Advocare. These are all things that have made me who I am today.

In health, Barb