FADE TO LIFE: Leadership is Life, Part II

Harness the Power of the Alignment©
www.IvoryDorsey.com-- April 20, 2006

If I can get you to believe what I am about to share with you today, miracles will be unveiled in your life today. Whether you are in the workplace, classroom, or in your home, we will unveil the miracle of who you are—today.

1. You are in a high stakes scavenger hunt called “life” in search of your destiny. Your ultimate purpose in life is hanging in the balance.

2. Your progress in this scavenger hunt will determine whether you are a leader or a follower. It will also determine when you lead and when you follow. Properly engaged in life, you will always be doing both—leading and following.

3. It comes down to leading when you are teaching and following when you are learning. You must always be engaged in one or the other.

4. Every day, something happens to you beyond your knowledge. It is happening without your help.

5. Life is like a banana, whether you do anything or not, it cycles through to its ultimate state of being. (Think about the banana after it is pulled from its source. First it is green and firm. As time passes in it transitions yellow, brown, and ultimately dissipation.) This is a passive/active process.

6. The same happens with humans, with one exception—we get to choose what happens to us. The banana has no role in how it is use or whether or not it is used. Banana pudding, banana bread, or banana split; someone else decides. Humans have the privilege and the power of thought.

7. The challenge I have for you today is to pay attention to the clues you encounter during this high stakes scavenger hunt.

8. Be intentional about your choices. Know that for every choice you make; there will be a corresponding consequence. The consequence will be good or bad. Star Wars is more than fiction—it is a replica of life.

9. As in Star Wars, the forces of good and evil are at work at all times. Your challenge is to ensure the “force” is with you and not against you.

10. The “forces of life” present themselves to you through thoughts, ideas, and other people. You are in a constant state of decision. Know this—pay attention.

11. Your mind is the clearinghouse for good and evil in your life. It is you who decide how it works. If you don’t decide; others will decide for you. It is here, at this juncture, that a person is defined as a leader or a follower.

12. Other people unwittingly decide whether you are a leader or a follower by the alternatives and suggestions they present to you. How you respond to their “agenda” with your life will cast you into your destiny.

13. Other people can and will contribute to the choices you make. However, you alone, will be accountable for the consequences for the choices you make. Choices provide instant and short term gratification. Consequences are usually delayed and extended for better or worse.

14. One moment in time can change your life forever.

15. An old comedy featuring Flip Wilson in the role of Geraldine found Geraldine making bad decisions. When confronted, her response was always: “the devil made me do it.” Her lack of accountability and blaming the devil did not protect her from the consequences of her actions.

16. There is an angel and a devil active in all of us at all times; both reside in our brain. The one that dominates will be the one you feed. Feed the brain what you want it to produce.

17. Remember, the brain is the garden of your life. You get to plant the flowers of thought and action. If you plant nothing, others will plant their flowers in your garden.

18. Don’t let the weeds of conformity, indecision, aimlessness, and idleness take root in the garden of your life—if you do, they will take over. There is a "herd" mentality permeating the world and no one is leading. Break away, walk away, chart your own path.

19. Experiential Leadership is just that. It is rooted out of experiences of your life. All experiences have their origin in your mind.

20. Dare to decide for yourself everything that impacts your life. Large or small, it all matters. Resist conformity and going along to get along.

21. Your body and your mind are the instruments of your life. Protect them as you do any other tools, only more; because the tools of your body and your mind will build the house of who you are.

22. You have the power right now to change your life for the better. You are in perfect alignment for success because you have potential, possibilities, and youth at the exact same time. You are, right now, at the crossroads of your destiny.

23. Choose to align the crossroads of potential, possibilities, and youth and harness the power of the alignment.

"It is futile to focus on external influences.
They are simply the manisfestation of your internal thoughts.
It is NOT what you BOUGHT, but what you THOUGHT,
that BROUGHT you to where you are today.
Think about thinking." --Ivory Dorsey

www.ivorydorsey.com