To be a good leader you have to know how to follow. In knowing the psychology of those who you will lead, you will learn how to motivate and inspire. But, you can’t be a leader in your own mind. You must step forward from the crowd.

Never mistake motion for action.

– Ernest Hemingway

Stepping up means you can’t worry about what others think. There will always be those who attempt to topple the leaders who assume authority. But true leaders feel confident and secure in their direction. As you lead, put away any thoughts of hesitation or doubt. Leaders cannot seek approval. A surefire formula for failure is to attempt to please everybody. Instead, you must set the standard for others to follow.

EXERCISE

So far, the exercises in this workbook have not challenged you to step forward among your peers. But by now, you’re ready. For this next exercise, you will ascend to a leadership role in your community. To accomplish the most and to receive the greatest benefit from your efforts, you must think big.

Here it is: Design and spearhead a project to help your community. Research what would do the most good. You decide what project will capture your imagination and utilize your talents. Approach the project very seriously. Apply everything you’ve learned thus far in the BEYOND FREEDOM program. For example, we know that our “why” must be bigger than us. Use your leadership exercise as an opportunity to give back to your community.

Put a plan together. Enroll people into your project. Get them emotionally involved. Use your leadership skills. Activate the T.E.A.M. concept, which stands for Together Everyone Achieves More.

You could raise money to build a playground, formulate a “Clean-Up the Neighborhood Day,” put together a program for orphan children to visit the zoo, or organize setting up a stop sign at a busy intersection. Be creative. Remember, you have a Life Without Limits.

The results you achieve from your leadership project will be a lasting tribute to your vision and perseverance. But, once you’ve accomplished your goal, you will experience a feeling most people only dream about. You will feel what it’s like to be a leader.

The final test of a leader is that he leaves behind him in other men, the conviction and the will to carry on.

– Walter Lippmann