“There is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today, and to live most fully today, we must do that which is of greatest importance. Let us not procrastinate those things which matter most.” This message from Thomas S. Monson is eloquently said, yet it is advice that has been received over and over from leadership figures for years. The concept has been a said a million different ways, and yet it has taken me years to fully comprehend the deep significance in my leadership and personal success.
There are a lot of businesses still struggling in this economy. There are still a lot of good people without jobs and a lot of good people struggling personally and financially. There are people working long hours for little pay and struggling to make ends meet.
With that said, there is something that really breaks my heart and cuts me to the core. It boggles my mind and I struggle to comprehend the reasoning. I can only come to a conclusion that people are emotionally broke. The problem I am referring to is the unwillingness to become greater today, for a better tomorrow. I talk with a lot of business owners and employees of businesses that know things are not peachy. Yet what are they doing to improve their ability. Do they read books, to overcome their weaknesses and find answers to their problems? Do they read blogs of experts that teach tidbits of clues on a million topics of self-improvement? Do they make goals and plans and actually stick to those plans?
It breaks my heart that I can see the capacity of individuals, that they cannot see in themselves. So instead of a book, instead of a blog, instead of goals, instead of asking for help, instead of preparing for the future…….they “do their job,” go home, and “veg.”
The world needs good leadership, our nation needs leaders, our businesses need leaders. Leaders and managers that have a hunger and thirst for knowledge, improvement, and execution. These are the people that will get ahead, these are the people that will understand, these are the people that will have a brighter future – because, “There is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today”
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So, now that you’ve read this article, how are you going to use this information to create urgency and preparation for a better tomorrow?
Please take a moment and share your ideas in the comments section below, share this with your social media friends, and subscribe to receive A Slice of Leadership notices, and occasional leadership advice, articles, tips and freebies.
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About Todd Nielsen
Your post reminded me a conversation I recently had with a city council member from the town of Carefree, Arizona. He told me that Carefree had several million dollars left over in their budget. The reason, he continued, is that the town is run by businesspeople, not politicians…to your point about leadership needed in organizations, I think we could all agree that politics needs good leadership, too! Thanks, Todd!
Tomorrow starts with today! The best way to enjoy the future is to create it. For me, the last year has been one of heavy reading and a lot of soul-searching. My question has been, “Am I what I was created be? Am I doing what my destiny is meant to be?” The more I read, the more I realize that I had allowed fear to cloud my vision. With this, I have failed to capitalize on my full potential. Then I started taking action, and the future is beginning to look brighter than I thought. When one is empowered (thirst for knowledge and acting on it), the only result can only be progress. My future exists because today I have taken leadership; I have done what is right to make changes that matter at all levels (personal, family, work, community).
What you give is what you eventually get, Todd. Keep giving…
Sorry for the slow response. Thanks David. Glad to be associated with you and all the giving that you also provide.
Testing if this works!
What can you do as a leader to develop Middle Manages/Supervisors when the company doesn’t provide management training (soft skills)? Do you recommend internal trainers (volunteers) when there is no incentives? Is it better to influence them to learn on their own? and how?
Mohammed,
That is a tough question. But with all the knowledge in the world, available in books and on the Internet, if someone really wants to learn, then they should have no excuse to improve themselves by reading and following the insights of other leaders. You can also form accountability groups or partnerships with a few individuals that will help keep them on track with their goals. Even if there is no incentives, high performing individuals that strive to learn more will move up or leave for better opportunities.
Thanks for your comment.
Todd Nielsen
Mr. Nielsen,
I am committing to becoming savvy with my city’s (Tucson, AZ) industries and economic climate to identify unmet needs. In particular, I will research major and minor organizations that contribute to the local economy via the internet and social media.
Sincerely,
Johnny Elvis
Hi Todd,
For some reason your post reminded me of the second movie from the “Chronicles of Narnia”. There was a scene where someone says: “Get treated like an animal all day, and you will become one”.
The concept is similar, companies are treating their employees as if they are dumb, have no ambition, and are emotionally broke, and that’s why they are slowly, but surely, becoming like that.
Thanks for sharing…
Good thought. I had not thought about it in that way. But I agree, better leadership is needed in many industries to combat all the broken problems.
Thanks for your comment.
Best,
Todd Nielsen
I agree with your thoughts..! Most of us focus career succession with limited efforts on learning… Running behind Paper Quaifications…Whilst some blame for lack of time… Personally I beleive that Great Leadership is a Good mix of Acquired Knowledge and Life experiences..All achieved through great determination and committment…
Well said Managala. I have a post I am working on, on this exact topic. One of the things I have always said that bothers me is that people will not pick-up a book to find a solution to the problems they face.
Thanks for the comment.
Todd Nielsen
Excellent, well written post, especially the last line about “tomorrow”.
Thanks Kerry!
Best,
Todd Nielsen