I am a collector of quotes. I get excited when I come across a motivational saying that speaks to me and makes me think differently, inspires me, or activates me. Often I find just the correct quote at just the right time. Like this one – “Change begins at the end of your comfort zone.” (Attributed to Roy T. Bennett). Or this quote from “Your Tango” – “You’re always one decision away from a totally different life.”

Here we are in a new year – are we going to be the same, or are we up for looking at things differently, doing things differently so we can get different results, being different? Will we listen to Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “Be the Change that you wish to see in the world,” and really live them?

The 2021-2022 class of Leadership Siouxland spent the December session learning the science of change and the predictable stages in the change cycle that everyone goes through when confronted with any type of change. Learning how to help yourself and others through the change cycle is a way to manage change effectively, so the results are positive. In the January program session, we discussed self-care as leaders and used a tool called a Wellness Wheel to set our personal goals for the upcoming year on how we can positively change our thoughts and our actions to increase our overall wellness in every category. We also explored our mindset and discovered ways we can use challenges and failures to grow, instead of giving up and resigning ourselves by thinking ,“that’s just the way it is, I can’t change it.”

I find it very interesting to research the authors of quotes that I collect. I wasn’t familiar with Roy T. Bennett and learned that he is a self-professed thought leader. His quotes are full of hope, optimism, practical advice, and truth. He is the author of “The Light in the Heart,”, a book that explores how what we think creates our beliefs and experiences, so filling our mind with positive thoughts vs. negative thoughts allows us to grow and create change.

Another quote I like is, “We are all just walking each other home.” – attributed to Baba Ram Dass, an American spiritual teacher, psychologist, and author.  I couldn’t find a clear description of what Ram Dass meant, but my interpretation is that we all have a responsibility for each other. To guide, keep safe, stay on the path together that leads to a place of comfort – “home”. 

This year, I personally want to step outside my comfort zone and intentionally focus my thoughts, my actions, and my decisions and understand how they impact me as well as others. I want to be a leader that helps people find their way. Will you join me?

Peggy Smith, Executive Director of Siouxland.

Leadership Siouxland is an organization dedicated to developing diverse, informed leaders who shape our community positively for today and tomorrow. To learn more about this organization, contact info@leadershipsiouxland.org or call 712-898-8594.