Categories: awareness, intention, leadership

This weekend I was walking through a neighborhood and saw a lawn sign for a person running for a state representative seat in Oregon. Turns out I was in a musical we wrote together with others years ago. Turn Loose the Voices was a showcase of brilliant, compassionate, politically savvy youth (me included) that ran for 3-4 weeks, won awards, was turned into a video for instructional use. Jules Kopel-Bailey was certainly an amazing boy.

Earlier this year he, and a high school school mate of mine Nick Kahl, won democratic primary elections in Multnomah County. Almost guaranteed seats in the Oregon House, I am thrilled and awed that my peers are off to represent the people. I am moved at the task that they are willing to take. I am grateful that I can trust these two individuals from a personal standpoint. And I’m honored to have shared, if but the tinyest part, in observing the development of rising leaders.

What makes them leaders? Both are passionate. Both are visionary. Both are focused. Both are willing to take those qualities and do something with it.

I am very passionate about people stepping out and taking risks to acheive their goals. I envision a world that is free and doesn’t succumb to fear. I am focused on helping individuals and organizations be passionate and be visionary. And I’m willing to do it.

Homework:

Write down what are you passionate about. Record what your vision is. Tell somebody what you’re focused on at the moment. Ask yourself how willing you are. Ultimately, discover what kind of leader you are. Are you leading yourself? Are you a leader of others? Are you leading yourself towards or away from your vision and passion? If you want a change, what are you willing to do to shift?

Truly Yours,

Joseph Lyons

PS. There’s nothing wrong with being a follower. 

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