The third thing a leader must do is look ahead. Dr. Henry Cloud says that successful leaders evaluate their decisions in the present based on how they will affect the future. While only God knows what might happen down the road when you make a particular choice, the wise person at least thinks about the implications. Successful leaders rarely do anything without thinking about the ultimate consequences.
Sowing and reaping is a concept that successful leaders understand. It’s about what I will ultimately end up with if I sow this particular behavior, choice, attitude, value, or strategy. It’s looking at all decisions and actions with a long-term view, or end view. What will happen in the end is a question we should all ask ourselves about every decision and action we have. Everything we do is either keeping us on the success path or it’s moving us away from it. We really do reap what we sow.
The great news is we get to choose how we want our life to play out. If you look ahead 10-15 years, will you be where you want to be? Will life look like you want it to look? If your answer is no, you can do something about it. Why did I start another business? Why am I working so hard right now? So I can look ahead 5-10 years and not have the financial burdens that I have now. Financial freedom allows life freedom. The ability to do what I want, when I want, without worrying about the financial implications.
To do this and to get there means some sacrifices along the way. It means I have to change some things in my life. It means some temporary discomfort along the way, but it’s the only way I can fulfill my vision in life. My vision of financial freedom is not just about me. Financial freedom gives you choices. Choices to help others. I want to leave a legacy. I want to build a life that is all about helping others. I want to get to the end of my life and be told, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
What is your vision? Are you looking ahead? Will you be where you want to be in 10-15 years? Are you getting abundance and fulfillment along the way. If not, make some changes.
Look ahead and have an awesome day.
