The leader believes in a different reality. You believe in a different reality or wouldn’t do what you do. Otherwise, you wouldn’t accept the suffering and loneliness that comes with the territory. You see the way things are. Yet, you believe that it should and can be different. You have your feet firmly grounded in reality. You understand that you must live and work there. But you have a vision of what could, or should, be, especially you who lead in education, community service, and non-profit work. Or at least you should have that vision.
However, as you go about your daily life and leadership, you are often pulled down by resistance. Resistance comes in many forms – external factors like urgent but ultimately unimportant tasks that others want to dump on you, internal factors like vices and insecurities that try to divert you from your vision, and external pressures that make it difficult to stay focused on what really matters. Resistance is real. It is an active force working to derail you.
Despite these challenges and resistance, you must remain grounded in your vision and committed to the work that you do. You must know what you are trying to create and articulate that vision to yourself and those you lead. It’s not always easy, and not everyone will understand or share your vision. But you must stay true to your beliefs and keep working towards your goals, even when it feels like an uphill battle. You see a different, better reality and are working to bring it into focus for others.
It’s your commitment and dedication to creating a better future that will make the difference. And while it may not always be easy, it’s these qualities that will help you overcome resistance and achieve your vision.