by Carla Wasserfall
“I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.”
We are all given and sometimes create a set of circumstances which is defined as “a fact or event that makes a situation the way it is” according to the online Cambridge dictionary. Often, we let the circumstances determine the outcome and results, this is due to our own limitations and giving up too soon. However, thanks to pioneers and inspirational leaders that have led the way to defy the circumstances, we now know there is always a new or different path.
Here are three examples of inspirational leaders who became valuable to the world beyond the circumstances:
Albert Einstein did not speak until he was 4 and did not read until he was 7. His teachers thought he was mentally handicapped, but he ended up winning the Nobel prize and changed the face of modern physics… the ultimate misfit in society .
Walt Disney was fired from the Kansas City Star in 1919 because, his editor said that he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” But founded the most creative entertainment location in the world.
The Beatles were told "we don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out" but ended up being the most successful music band in their era.
The commonality of these inspiring people who changed their industries, is that the circumstances seemed hopeless, and no one believed in them or saw their potential but today they are known for their determination, vision and perseverance.
They could have blended in and believed the critics but their true power and shift (that helped them become leaders in their industry) was that they knew and used their power of choice.
What was the game changer? Choice. They chose to listen to the voice of belief, to see beyond the circumstances and chose to persist against all odds. They most likely asked themselves these questions:
Will I blend in, or stand out?
What will I be known for?
Will I choose to quit or to overcome?
As an entrepreneur, circumstances you face might be against all odds but remember you are forging a new path and going on the road less travelled.
When in doubt and you do not see the light. You get to choose and say, “this is not my story” and write a new chapter for your career and business.
“Life is a matter of choices and every choice you make, makes you – John Maxwell”
You can apply your power of choice to any circumstance to choose differently and to think differently and forge a new path through your decisions.
Here are a few questions that can help you to keep you focused beyond the circumstances:
What is your core belief? (Know who you are)
What is your ultimate vision? (Know where you are going)
What is the benefit or contribution to others? (Know the value you bring)
What am I good at? (Know your core strengths)
What environment will help me grow? (Know who to surround yourself with)
Remember as a leader and entrepreneur, it is about bringing purpose to everything you do and to ignite the vision that makes the difference.
Beyond all circumstances, inspirational leaders lead change using the power of choice.
Keep moving forward and never give up on your vision.
Will you choose to take the lead in your industry and be the first to create the difference?
Carla Wasserfall is the Director at Champions Uncovered, a business that “ignites greatness within” through Personal Leadership Development, Strategic Wellness and Coaching. A continuous learner with an Honours in Business and Applied Neuroscience Certification and Coaching. As woman who walks the talk in wellness by completing the 70.3 ironman triathlon event, she brings this Business Athlete mindset to empower you on your life journey.
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