Focusing on an unknowable future creates anxiety in the present.
Looking forward with confidence:
#1. Pursue meaning not happiness.
The pursuit of happiness – as an end in itself – is a disappointing dead end.
The pursuit of happiness is like chasing the horizon.
“Being human always points, and is directed, to something or someone, other than oneself — be it a meaning to fulfill or another human being to encounter. The more one forgets himself — by giving himself to a cause to serve or another person to love — the more human he is.” Victor Frankl
“Happiness must happen, … : you have to let it happen by not caring about it.” Victor Frankl
#2. Meaning is found in contribution.
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Confidence is found when you glance at the future but contribute in the present.
#3. Contribution requires self-worth.
You are a unique person in your organization. What joyful contribution might a person like you repeatedly make?
Look past insecurities to current opportunities to contribute.
Thinking – apart from contributing – creates anxiety.
#4. Repetition multiples contribution.
An occasional act of service doesn’t change your future. But persistent acts of service multiply contribution.
#5. Strengths are the foundation of contribution.
- List contributions you consistently and joyfully make.
- What strengths enable your contribution?
- Ask team members to explain the contributions you make to them.
- Ask team members to describe behaviors that indicate your strengths truly are strengths.
- How might you maximize your contribution?
How might leaders look toward the future with reasonable levels of confidence?
—
This post was previously published on Leadership Freak with a Creative Commons License.
***
If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project and want a deeper connection with our community, please join us as a Premium Member, today.
All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.
—
Photo credit: iStock
