What are you willing to do, if what’s happening now is less than what you want, and has reached a point of, I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore?  On the one hand you have the status quo, which is the existing state of affairs, and on the other you have your thoughts about what’s possible. Are you willing to move what’s possible into action? If this sounds like I’m trying to turn you into an activist, I’m not!

The definition of activism is using energetic campaigning to bring about change. I’m good with that so far. Yet, activists are defined as zealots and protesters who are radical and extremist. I wouldn’t use any of those words to describe me. I’m not an activist, but I am an actionist!

An actionist challenges the status quo by leading the way with love, inquiry, involvement, and awareness.

Leadership isn’t just about a position inside of business or government, it’s not a popularity contest or an election, and it’s not authority driven or bestowed on you. Leadership is a way of being that has — at the core  — a willingness to be seen and heard, and fearlessness to be who you are.

Some may say that leaders are born to command and influence. I say that all of us develop as leaders through leading. You don’t have to have confidence to lead; confidence comes through action. Confident, is what others say about you after the fact. It’s not required to start. What’s required to start is your willingness.

When you lead by example, you create energy and draw others to work and play with you. I have many friends who I’ve watched over the years create master mind groups that make a difference in their thinking, business, yoga, spiritual, or personal practice. They didn’t start out to create a movement, but their actions and belief in what was possible, led the way.

Leadership is the ability to be clear about what you want to accomplish, where other people want to join you in your cause. Why do they want to join you? Because you are achieving what they think about, but are not mobilized into doing. Leadership gives shape and form to challenge the status quo in any field. If you are thinking about it, chances are, others are thinking about it as well.

I met a woman, Krista Gawronski, who started a group called Fabulous Women. She decided that a group of women could get together and impact social needs in her community. It began by helping a local family with health care needs, and grew to help cancer patients, build a school in Africa, and support homeless shelters. It’s an informal gathering where woman get together, bring food and wine to share, and contribute, as much as they can to the causes they believe in. Krista enrolled me while we were in the steam bath of our local gym! Talk about being an actionist! She’s a leader doing what she loves. Every time I attend, it reminds me what’s possible when someone challenges the status quo with love, and is willing to lead. It reminds me that most often, the only risk in leading, is confronting whether someone will say yes or no.

Life goes by whether you’re intentionally involved in what matters most to you or not. How can you challenge the status quo?

Lead by example, and:

1.    Do what you love to do.
2.    Decide it’s a risk worth taking.
3.    Become an advocate.
4.    Tell others what you’re doing.
5.    Connect people.
6.    Make a difference.

I invite you to share your personal leadership stories here. They will help inspire others to take action where it matters most in their lives.  Let people know what you are doing to move what's possible into action.

Thank you for all you do.

My love goes with you as you work with this uplifting moment.