Featured Monthly Article

The Power of a Punch By Vannoy and Ross The American Film Industry has struggled to come up with a movie this year that really knocked my socks off - until now. Finally, a movie that inspired, amazed and revived my soul - "Cinderella Man." For me, it clearly defines what commitment is and how it is the most important factor in determining failure or success. Without giving too much away in case you haven't seen it yet, the story features a boxer who will not give up (no matter how many times he's punched or how many teeth he loses.) It takes place during the Depression, and reflects the sadness that everyone was experiencing during that time. This boxer, a regular man, becomes successful through his sheer determination to win. Sure, there were boxers that were stronger, faster and better fighters, but none of them had the same fire in their eyes or raw determination that he had. Unintentionally, he became an inspiration to others. People saw themselves in him and his victories became their victories. People respected him because they saw how strong his commitment was and knew that he would accomplish whatever he put his mind to. (If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it and would love to know what you think.)		Steven Vannoy, President and Founder  Craig Ross, Director of Pathways
During the boxing matches of our lives, it takes a strong commitment to be the best that we can be. During the times that s/he falls off-the-path, a committed leader continues on despite the setback. That leader is able to put the failure into perspective, learn from it and keep going. Perhaps your goal is to eat right, get fit and live a healthier lifestyle. Once you make the commitment to yourself, you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish. The most important part of achieving a goal is in being un-afraid to face the unknown or failure. Will you eat a cookie when you know you should reach for an apple? Yes. Will you sleep in one morning when you're supposed to go to the gym? Yes. Knowing that these isolated setbacks are merely knockdowns in the boxing match of life is key in continuing the fight for your prize. In his book, "The 21 Indispensable Qualities of A Leader," John C. Maxwell offers a few examples on what commitment is: To each person, commitment means something different: To the boxer, it's getting off the mat one time more than you've been knocked down. To the marathoner, it's running another ten miles when your strength is gone. To the soldier, it's going over the hill, not knowing what's waiting on the other side. To the missionary, it's saying good-bye to your own comfort to make life better for others. To the leader, it's all that and more because everyone you lead is depending on you. Ask yourself the following questions to gauge how committed you are to achieving the things that are important to you. How would you measure your passion and commitment? Are there issues, people or goals that you would step into the ring and fight for, getting up each time you are knocked down? Or are you committed only until you are too tired, feeling the pain or have a bloody nose? How committed are you to your own life excellence and results? When you are committed, are you creative and powerful enough so that you ultimately find a way? Do the people around you feel your commitment? When they see and feel your commitment, do they get on board quicker? Do they want to be part of your unfolding success? What is something really worthwhile that you are committed to? If you are deeply and truly committed, will that make a difference? Does it take courage to step up to the plate and tell the world and yourself that you will succeed? Will you? What will happen in your life when you live with an even higher level of integrity, courage and commitment? Have you noticed that the qualities that you model and live are what you tend to attract in the people around you? What level of commitment, integrity, courage, responsibility and initiative and excellence are the people around you demonstrating? A nursery in Canada displays this sign: The best time to plant a tree is twenty-five years ago ... The second best time is today." There are people that are depending on you this very day! Here's to your commitment to leadership excellence, and not giving up until you get the results you want. During a challenging fight for something important to you, when you find yourself knocked down, ask yourself this: "Am I down for the count or am I going to get up one more time?"

(c) 2005 Pathways to Leadership, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.