I’ve learned a lot about leadership over the past few months. I used to think that being a good leader was just something some people had and some people didn’t. I didn’t know if good leadership was something that you could teach a person or not. Now I know that I was all wrong. Leadership is definitely a trait that can be taught.

I’ve learned that I’m severely lacking experience. Good leadership seems to come from trial and error and I just really haven’t had a whole lot of that. I have learned a lot over the past two years when I led a small group of middle school girls. That was a whole other style of leadership though. That’s what I’ve really been able to apply–situational leadership. Different situations require different styles of leadership.

I’ve also learned that it’s a lot harder to live out our ideal ideas of leadership. Constantly staying with one style/theory is nearly impossible. There will never be one clear definition of leadership or one specific way things should be done. Leadership will constantly be changing and evolving–just like people do.

I’ve learned how important leaders are in my life. The good leaders that I’ve had in my life have made me realize how much I appreciate everything they do. I look up to them and they impact me in ways that I’m not even aware of. I look at their styles of leadership and fit them into my own style.

What is my personal mission statement?

I will be authentic.

I am at my best when I am focused and surrounded by things I enjoy.

I will try to prevent times when I am stressed and distracted.

I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can pour into others and be intentional.

I will find enjoyment in my personal life through reading and designing.

I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as creativity, listening, being intentional, problem solving, and thinking outside of the box.

I can do anything I set my mind to. I will Design my own clothing line and then create a production factory in Honduras where I could support families down there by providing them with jobs. Then I would help the parents be able to send their kids to school and teach children sewing skills to increase their chances of getting a job..

My life’s journey is all about Jesus. I have my own passions and talents but they are all given to me by God. And as a Christian it is my responsibility to live out my faith and let people know the Good News. Every day I hope to be a light for Him.

I will be known as a person who was intentional with nearly everyone I met. A person who didn’t pass up on an opportunity to serve and get to know someone better. I would want people to say that I lived an authentic life.

My most important future contribution to others will be to show them I love them through my actions instead of through things of monetary value.

I will stop procrastinating and start working on:

Being nicer to people and not speak in such sarcastic manners

Love others the way Jesus did

Live every day like it could be my last

I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:

Intentionality

Knowledge

Love

I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:

Eating a healthy diet.

Spending time with God every night by writing in a prayer journal and doing devotionals.

Reflecting each night on my day and what I’ve learned.

Finding community in my church where I feel loved and supported.