[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vDWWy4CMhE[/youtube]
Today we celebrate the vision, inspiration, and transformative power of one man, a dream, and a movement that was created by that dream. Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Today we find a country struggling to find its next compelling dream for its future.
But as we reflect back on the positive hope and change that MLK brought from an idea into reality, it is clear that one person can make a difference in the world.
Looking into your life. Your past. And your future. Imagine the possibilities. Imagine a positive, compelling vision for your life. Imagine how that vision could transform those around you and make the world a better place.
In your life there are many ways to make that positive vision impactful in the world. Whether it is through your leadership in your job. Or growing your business to positively benefit more people – your clients, your employees, your family, and their families. Or it could be through your gifts of time and money to charitable causes you value.
Whatever it is, use today to plan, take action, and pursue that vision.
Here’s some things you can learn from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his life and values.
1. An inspiring vision (dream) can move mountains.
Without MLK there would be no discussion of lack of racial diversity in the Oscar nominees this year. There would be no “Black Lives Matter“. There would be no black President of the United States. There would be no Tiger Woods. There would be no Michael Jordan. There would be no Ben Carson, world renowned brain surgeon and Presidential nominee.
You’ve seen inspiring leaders. You’ve heard their speeches. You’ve seen the power of Steve Jobs and what he created at Apple. More than an electronics creator, he created raving fans who would buy Apple just for the status that was Apple.
What are you passionate about?
2. Develop powerful networks
If you are going to make a difference, you can’t do it in a vacuum. You need to connect with others who can help take your vision to a larger audience to make a bigger difference than you could do on your own.
You see this with YouTube cat videos that go viral. You see it with New York Times and Amazon Bestsellers. You see it in politics and business.
Once you’ve found your passion, your vision, how can you get the message out?
Is it a blog? Is it YouTube videos? Is it connecting through industry associations? Can you give presentations or speeches? Can you connect through community or church groups? How about reaching out to other influencers or connectors who you can share your vision with?
3. Prepare for Resistance
I’d love to tell you your journey will be all roses and unicorns. But the roses have thorns and the unicorns aren’t always where you want them to be and they have horns too if you don’t watch out.
In the real world things don’t always go as planned. There are also those out there who resent you and your dreams (think people who play the lottery on a weekly basis – I know you probably played the big 1.5 Billion Powerball lottery…I’m not talking about you). And they’d love to see you fail. And tell you “I told you so.” whenever you falter.
So plan for that. Plan for Mr. Murphy (of “Murphy’s Law” fame). Know that things will go wrong and have backup plans in order. Also make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Your health. Your personal relationships with friends and family. It doesn’t do you any good if you don’t have the support network and energy to battle through those challenging times.
4. Persist
Never give up. If you do, you will take your vision farther than anyone thought possible. It is those who persist who get results. It is those who persist who move mountains. It is those who persist who change the world.
I wish for you that power, that passion, that purpose that will make you and your life something special and powerful for you and the world around you.
