Great Leaders Are Made, Not Born

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” ~ Dr. John C. Maxwell

Leaders have a sense of mission and vision that uplifts, motivates and inspires men and women to greatness, helping them achieve that vision. Leaders make things happen.

It is never too late to become a great leader.

To lead is to serve,
Coach Carolyn

In Memoriam: Father Paul Keenan

A True Servant Leader

It is with great sadness that I write this post about the passing of a very dear friend, a mentor and a true servant leader. Father Paul Keenan, priest, author, radio host and avid cat lover, passed away yesterday just three days shy of his 62nd birthday. Father Paul was a very kind and gentle soul, honoring his call to lift people from their personal and collective darknesses to shine a bit of light on their path.

His books, his homilies, his articles, and his radio shows all reflected his deep soulfulness. All reflected a life lived in deep contemplation. Whenever we met to catch up on each other’s lives, we both had many irons in the fire, and were delighted to share, cheer one another on and pray for each other’s endeavors. I was equally thrilled when he called me one morning to ask me to be a guest on his radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio. It was another opportunity to share with my dear friend.

Although I had known Father Paul for years, it wasn’t until my own personal loss and the tragedy of September 11, 2001, that we bonded in a very special way. He mentored me during my trials and I was a listening ear during his own losses and grief. The loss of loved ones, pets, and opportunities sealed the bond of our friendship. I realized that it is during the darkest of times, that true friends and true leaders reflect the brightest light. Father Paul’s light was indeed very bright.

I will miss Father Paul, but through memories, I know that he is and will always remain that beacon of light to shine the way through those dark moments. I will always remember the luncheons, the emails, the chats, and the hugs.

Great leaders leave great legacies, and Father Paul has left one with all of his readers, listeners, his congregations, loved ones, and especially with me.

Read Father Paul’s final article on Soulful Living. It is aptly titled Celebration of Life.

You are now among the angels.
Rest in peace, dear friend.

Procrastination is a Four-Letter Word

As an avid procrastinator, I am constantly on the lookout for ways to move through those tasks that seem too big and overwhelming. If I could get paid being a procrastinator, I would be a multi-millionaire! I am extremely good at it; though it is not something I want to be good at.

I don't even like the word ~ procrastination. It too is very big and overwhelming. Okay, I am procrastinating...

Here is tip from author and speaker, Brian Tracy called Slice and Dice The Task.

Why You Procrastinate

A major reason for procrastinating on big, important tasks is that they appear so large and formidable when you first approach them. One technique that you can use to cut a big task down to size is the "Salami slice" method of getting work done. With this method, you lay out the task in detail and then resolve to do just one slice of the job for the time being, like eating a roll of salami, one slice at a time. Or like eating one piece of a frog at a time.

Do One Small Part to Start

Psychologically, you will find it easier to do a single, small piece of a large project than to start on the whole job. Often, once you have started and completed a single part of the job, you will feel like doing just one more "slice." Soon, you will find yourself working through the job one part at a time, and before you know it, the job will be completed.

Just Get Started

Once you start working, you develop a sense of forward momentum and a feeling of accomplishment. You become energized and excited. You feel yourself internally motivated and propelled to keep going until the task is complete.

Action Exercises

Now, here are two actions you can take immediately to put these ideas into action.

First, select one big important task and lay it out in front of you.

Second, select one part of the task and do it immediately.

To lead is to serve,

Coach Carolyn