Like a ship without a rudder is a leader without a compelling goal.

Steer the Ship

Next week, I will be teaching a master’s level course in ethical leadership. I’ve spent the last few weeks preparing for lectures, reading, assignments, and everything that goes into making a class like this successful.

Honestly, I think I’m the most excited to hear from everyone in the class. What their goals are, what their vision for the world is, and how they see themselves developing into world-changing leaders.

It’s also forced me to reflect on my own life.

That led me to the thought that just as a boat without a rudder is unable to steer or navigate, so too will leaders be incapable of change without a clear or compelling goal.

It is pointless for a captain to steer the ship if the rudder is broken.

It is similarly pointless for a leader to expect change without a target goal in mind.

Working Hard

This has been a frequent musing of mine lately. Some days, if I’m honest, I struggle to stay engaged with my work. I love what I do and it meets many of my deepest core convictions and desires in life.

Other days, I wake up with a fire in my soul. I spend the day fanning that flame and watch the world around me light up.

What’s the difference?

For a long time, I wasn’t sure. Recently, over a load of dishes, I made a discovery. That particular day, I had a clear goal in mind. I knew exactly what I had to do to make that day a success. It was quite clearly going to be a ‘win’ or a ‘lose’ kind of day.

In contrast to that, I had also been struggling recently. One day, in particular, was a real drag. The only thing that sounded remotely interesting was over-consuming food and seeing how many games of Madden I could paly in 24 hours.

That day, as you may have guessed, was one without a clear goal. I had hopes. Expectations. Longings. Things that ‘would have been nice’ to get done. What I didn’t have, was a clear, concise, or compelling goal to draw me forward.

Ultimately, that’s the mission. I want to fill my life with a clear and compelling mission. A vision of what the world could be if I were fully awake and engage. My desire is to create a series of goals that better me, my family, our community, and ultimately the world.

We can, only do that if we set a clear and concise goal each day. Otherwise, we drift like a boat without a rudder. We chase every mildly exciting thing that ultimately distracts us from our true goals, identity, and ultimate sense of accomplishment.

Set The Intention

My goal for this class is to help them further that voice inside of them that is urging them forward. I want to equip them as leaders to continue to make a difference in the lives of those around them. 

To help you, here are three things you can do to set the intention for each day.

1.) Set long-term goals … then distill them into short term ones.

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know that I’m a big fan of Michael Hyatt and his Full Focus Planner.

(If this is your first post here, two things: 1.) Welcome and 2.) Now You Know)

One of the genius ideas behind his system is the goal breakdown. Yearly goals become quarterly goals become daily objectives.

Simple, but it works.

The point is to find something outside of yourself that allows you to wake up determined to reach a goal and hungry enough to get after it.

2.) Create an accountability system.

Hire a coach.

Find a mentor.

Seek accountability.

Join a group or mastermind.

Implement a system of rewards (or punishments) if goals aren’t met. I had a client once that kept neglecting an important task. I gave them a goal of completing it by our next session or paying me an additional $500. The ending? By our next session, their goal was completed. (And I was genuinely more excited for him to complete the goal than I would have been about the money).

3.) Keep a record of where you’ve been.

Just as important as looking forward, is reminding yourself where you’ve been. Just as a ship keeps logs and maps, we must do the same. Part of knowing where you’re going is to know where you’ve been.

What obstacles have you overcome?

How have your previous experiences been a blessing?

Where are there parts of your story that need to be retold or reexamined?

When was a time you felt most alive?

Conclusion

One of my wavering beliefs is that we have all been called to something great. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had a client say, “You don’t doubt that I can do this?”

Never for a second.

You were called to something great, something world-changing. Don’t lose sight of that and miss your goal. Set your intentions and make them clear.

I believe in you.

Last night, the Kansas City Chiefs were crowned the champions of the NFL season.

As a lifelong fan of the Chiefs, I beyond thrilled. I’ve been able to witness the postseason droughts end for both the Royals and the Chiefs in recent years.

As a sports fan, what a game last night! An even chess match in the first half, a good third quarter for the 49ers and a steller six minutes for Kansas City that saw them storm back from ten down to win.

We threw a party last night with several families and their kids coming over. We at tons of food and enjoyed some laughs at the commercials as well.

But enough of that, on this channel, we talk about mental performance and how to get better so I’ll keep my fanboy squeals to a minimum. Let’s analyze the game and use it to pursue our goals.

1.) Preparation is Key

There are two weeks between conference championships and the championship game. Each team spent time analyzing the other. Learning their tendencies. Scripting new plays. Figuring out weaknesses. They paid attention to detail.

We need to do the same thing. Life is a battle. There is a struggle going on inside of us. Preparation is key.

When I worked in the fitness industry, I did a lot of first day consultations for new gym members. I walked them through the gym, talk about equipment, and give them some tips and strategies for success.

One of the big ones was preparing food ahead of time. If you go shopping when you’re already hungry, it’s too late. You’ll make bad choices and not meet your fitness goals.

Life works in much the same way. Committing to self-improvement and success takes planning. We must look at the details of our life. Just like how the food we eat fuels us (good fuel equals good energy), our commitment to planning the details of our lives leads to breakthrough success.

2.) Unwavering Belief

Listening to the player interviews after the game is usually a fascinating experience. While some dislike their need for media appearances, most do it it willingly and provide great insight. One player, when asked about their fourth-quarter ten-point deficit how they handled it on the sideline. Their response? “We never lost hope or belief. We know what we are capable of.”

It worked. Multiple times in fact. The Chiefs were down ten points in all three of their postseason games. While nervewracking for a fan, it never was for them.

Their preparation (see point one) had given them one extra benefit: an unwavering belief in themselves. They were still positive. They knew how to handle this situation. The ultimate destination of the game was in their full control.

Confidence is key. But confidence comes from being ready.

When preparation and opportunity meet, success is bred.

3.) “Finish the Game!”

Late in the game, playing with the lead that would ultimately give them the win, the camera cut to the Chiefs sideline. Patrick Mahomes was imploring his teammates to, “Finish the Game!” The defense needed one more stop to all but ensure a victory. Though San Francisco had three timeouts, it was a two-possession game. One good stop could get the Chiefs the ball back where they could hopefully run out the clock.

They did one better.

The defense did get the stop. Kansas City got the ball back with about ninety seconds left. I was on the phone with my dad and my brother at the time, anticipating the outcome.

“One first down,” I said, “That’s what we need to seal the deal.”

Instead, the Chiefs scored again on a run to the left side. Now, instead of a four-point lead, it was eleven.

From down by ten to up by eleven in six minutes.

Why?

Because they had a plan. They were committed, and they chose to finish the game.

Starting things is easy.

People start new years resolutions every year.

Very few complete them. I heard one report recently that suggested that 80% quit trying within the first month.

Combat that. With everything that you have.

Make An Action Plan

Pay attention to detail.

Have unwavering belief.

“Finish the game!”

That’s a recipe for success. For the Chiefs, and for us.