Colin Powell’s 13 Rules

colinpowell

I stumbled upon General Colin Powell’s Rule. I was amazed and thankful that I subscribe to the lion’s share of his rule, albeit with slightly different wording. Should you need some guiding principles to move you this year, I’d suggest these.

General Colin Powell’s Rules:

1. It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your
position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done!
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone
else make yours.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Faith, Courage and Conviction

faith

Great words by MLK. Most people want to see the whole picture with complete clarity before they commit to stepping out and taking initiative. I understand. There are so many things that can go wrong. There are so many complexities. There are huge potential pitfalls lurking in the unknown.

But, when we fail to take action, we never experience the taste of a dream kissing reality.

Fear cements our feet to the ground…

Doubt is a fog shrouding our hearts’ desire…

Uncertainty keeps us in neutral…

I have found that God rarely reveals more than the first step. If He were to reveal more, then we would not need faith, and faith is where our lives intertwine with God.

I have not prayed for clarity for a long time, instead there are a couple other things I pray for when faith is the clarion call in the dark hours of sleepless nights.

Courage is what I pray for first. Courage to activate my faith and take action. God responds to our faith-filled action every time.

Conviction is the other key character trait I pray for. When faith kisses courage and conviction, things happen…God moves…we find ourselves riding a wave powered by God’s Spirit.

So, if you are feeling like a styrofoam cup being tossed about by the wind, its time to choose faith and pray for courage and conviction and be ready for God to move.