12 Minutes A Day That Can Change A Leader’s Life

Are you searching for the missing link or silver bullet that could unlock the creativity or new ideas that could take your organization to higher levels?  Ron Alexander, author of Wise Mind, Open Mind, may have found the answer.

Alexander has a therapy and coaching practice that works with creative clients such as Disney.  He asks his clients to dedicate 12-20 minutes daily for what he calls meditation.  I call it solitude or quiet time.  Alexander tells Fast Company magazine, “Your awareness and consciousness become really toned.  This is an excellent strategy for becoming successful in your profession, as well as the bigger game of transforming yourself and the people who work with and for you.”

He goes on to add, “Some studies show that people …gain as much as 10 IQ points.  What that seems to indicate is that it works on the ability to screen out irrelevant information, to clear out the mind of distractions, and to focus intently on relevant stimuli, which frees up resources to solve problems.”

Since reading the article, I have set aside 12 minutes per day to think about the subject of leadership. I keep a pen and notepad close by to capture thoughts.  Here is some of the things I am thinking about:

1. How is the practice of leadership changing?
2. What are the new trends?
3. How has raising capital changed at local churches?
4. What does a culture of generosity look like and how do you create it?
5.  How do wealthy people think?
6. What will the American church look like in 5-10 years?  Going to 20 years is simply an exercise in intellectual mismanagement.  Thinking 5-10 years out allows me to begin developing systems to assist churches in preparing for their near futures.
7. How can I help my own church fulfill its mission and vision?
8. What are NextGen leaders focused on?  What is important to them?  How can I help them?
9. How can I best build relationships and utilize social media to positively influence others and bring solutions?
10. What is unique about how leaders interact with each other?  How do you better lead leaders?
11. How do I get better leading teams?
12. How do you continually inspire people once they have heard all your speeches?
13. How do I keep marriage fresh and interesting after 20 years?
14. How do you lead teenage girls so that will one day marry the “right guy”?
15. Does God want me thinking about leadership so much?

That is my list and what I am thinking on currently.  I can tell you that I “feel” like my mind is sharper.  I “feel” like I have a larger capacity for good thinking. Re-directing 12 minutes per day has made me go to another level.

What is important to you?  Are you looking for a way to improve and get better in your chosen profession?  Are you willing to set aside 12 minutes per day to think about your area of discipline?  If so, 12 minutes a day could make you a better leader than you ever dreamed possible.

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