Just like a computer or smartphone must update its software to continue to upgrade performance, so to does our thinking need to be upgraded.  Limiting beliefs, a status quo mindset, hold us back from achieving our full potential.  To become a better version of ourselves, sometimes a reboot in our thinking is required.  Mindset matters, because as we think, we become.  

Arrogance is unbecoming to a leader.  It creates a blindspot in our lives that others can prey upon to hold us back, take advantage of us, or manipulate us to gain a tactical advantage.  Sampson learned this the hard way, and paid for it with his life.  What lessons can we learn from his story?  Those we let in our inner circle can make or break us.  

Learning to incorporate the "Big R" (respect) into your life is one of the little-known secrets of stratospheric success. People are valuable, and have great value; therefore, showing honor and respect to everyone and treating others with dignity is one of the best ways we can add value to others.

When an organization misses the opportunity to engage with their customers (or prospective customers), they've essentially said to them, "Sorry, you're on your own."  The same can be said for an individual who fails to seize an opportunity to add value to another person.  When people are overlooked, ignored, or not valued, you send a message they are NOT important to you.  That's NOT how a Black Belt Leader lives life.  

If you're looking for ONE THING you can do to gain greater influence, lead more effectively, or increase your audience,  focus your attention on the needs of others.  Remember, "It's NOT About You."  

Practice does NOT make perfect...and the pursuit of Black Belt Excellence as a Leader in Life demands that you not settle for "good enough".  When others have to question what you do and ask, "What do you call that?" you're not demonstrating good leadership.

You can't teach what you don't know and you can't take others where you don't know to go.  World-class athletes understand that without a coach, a mentor, or a guide they can't achieve their ultimate goal.  Leadership is no different.  You can't become a Black Belt Leader without a Sensei, a teacher, who guides you on the journey of personal and professional growth and development.  What does that look like?

In this Be a Black Belt Leader (TM) Podcast, you'll learn to see failure as a friend and teacher to embrace rather than an adversary to be avoided.  If you fail to learn the lessons life is trying to teach you, you will repeat the same mistakes over and over again.  #beablackbeltleader