It’s no surprise that the things change and plans get reworked. That’s just how life goes. At times, the terrain ahead of us seems to be hidden by a thick fog, forcing us to move ahead slowly and with caution. It’s a crazy world and who knows what might be lurking around the corner or just beyond where our vision ends.

When the path ahead becomes unclear, most people cower and hide. They don’t want to move ahead because it’s too much of a risk. The fear of the unknown cripples them and they can’t bear to journey on.

Lucky for you, you’re not in that group. Instead, you’re a First Class Leader who is leading the charge into the unknown.

Right?

Preparing for the Storm

It’s often said that you are what you eat. It’s true; what you consume is often displayed in the characteristics of your body. If you eat double cheeseburgers every day, you might not be as lean as someone who only eats salads and drinks water.

You reap what you sow, too. Whatever you ingest mentally is what comes out through your actions. If you fill your head with relevant information before the big test, chances are that you’ll know most of the answers. If not, you probably won’t do well.

In order to manage the storm, you need to prepare. There is no better way to prepare than through reading. Humans have a tendency to put into action what they read and when the problems arise, you’ll implement some great thinking if you’ve read about how to manage things.

I’m not going to regurgitate the great teachings of philosophers and expert problem-solvers. Instead, here are a few books I recommend:

- The Leader Who Had No Title by Robin Sharma
- Tribes by Seth Godin
- The Magic of Thinking Big by Dr. David Schwartz
- 21 Indespensible Qualities of a Leader by John Maxwell

These books have taught me some life-changing information and I think you can learn from them, too. Take the first step: prepare.

Making It Through

Do you know how to spot a First Class Leader? Look to see who is making progress when everyone else is slowing down.

In the business world, the key to success is not to gain a title. Instead, the key is to be adaptive to change no matter your title. If you can manage to adapt well to an ever-changing environment, you’re golden.

First Class Leaders don’t run away from the challenge or the problem or the change; they take it on and show what distinguishes them from everyone else.

In order to make it through, you need to be positive and committed to doing your best work no matter what is going on around you. Yes, there may be critics who want to stand in your way. It’s even possible that you might be lacking experience. But, when it comes down to the 11th hour, true First Class Leaders embrace business changes and adapt appropriately, showing their true colors and potential.

I will tell you that ingraining this philosophy of forging through the fog is not easy. In fact, it’s a struggle to remember you’re a First Class Leader and not someone who can just hide from change but it’s worth it. Don’t resist the changes being made in your life. Take them on and show that you can adapt, learn, and implement like a First Class Leader.

I can guarantee you this: you will experience more benefits, perks, and career opportunities than someone who plays it safe. All of that can come just by stepping up to the plate. Are you ready to step into the woods and forge ahead?

.

Eric Alpin is the Associate Editor of Folk Media and works for a telecommunications company in Baltimore, Md. He is a social media enthusiast, blogger, writer, and student with a passion for leadership and self-development strategies and techniques. Find out more about Eric on Twitter.

*Photo by lornzo

It’s over and the champions have received their trophy. Their first one, actually. On Sunday, February 7, 2010, the New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV.

The Colts were favored to win the game. Analysts said that Peyton Manning and the Colts offense couldn’t be stopped but they were wrong. When the clock hit 0:00, the Saints began partying and the Colts caught a flight home.

So, how did the Saints do it and what does a football team have to do with you and your business? The Saints had the winning formula and if you know the formula, you can be just as successful.

Determination

The Saints found themselves in a 10-0 quickly after the game started. The Colts were explosive on offense and playing ruthless defense. But the Saints didn’t call it quits.

No matter what your situation, having determination can prove to be a vital aspect of success. If you look at any great individual – Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, Margaret Thatcher – you will find determination. Lincoln failed at many of his professions before becoming president. Edison failed to create the lightbulb the first 1,000 times he tried. Thatcher’s decisions were publicly criticized every day she was in office. Did that stop them from being great? No, and your failures or set backs or critics shouldn’t stop you or your company.

The Saints held on and prevailed in Super Bowl XLIV. You will prevail, too.

Risks

The Saints didn’t play a textbook game by any means. On fourth and goal right before halftime, they elected to go for the touchdown instead of an easy three points. They ran a reverse play that lost seven yards. They did an onside kick to open the second half. Without their risks, the Saints would have let the championship slip away.

It’s pretty tempting to play it safe. It’s easy to go for the field goal when you could try for the touchdown. But, if you play it safe, you will never know you’re full potential. How can you know what works best if you don’t try new things? Analysis and research will only get you so far. At some point and time, you will need to decide if you should play it conservatively or risk it. If you play it conservative, you won’t lose anything. Then again, you won’t gain anything either.

The New Orleans Saints knew they weren’t going to beat the Colts playing it safe. Some of their risks went in their favor and some didn’t. But, in the end, they found greatness and glory.

Passion

If you compared the game play of a Colts and a Saints player, you would probably notice that the Saints player had more passion. He had more pep in his step. I’m not saying the Colts didn’t care about the game because they most certainly did but they weren’t playing at the same level as the Saints.

Whether you’re reading this article because you’re looking to improve your business or your personal life, you need passion. Do the following words describe you at home or at work – lethargic, routine, simple, mellow, standard? If you can safely say that one or more of those words describe you on a regular basis, it’s time for a passion assessment. When you have passion, you will be willing to go the extra mile and you will be engulfed in learning and growing. Consider passion to be the catalyst for determination and taking risks. Without passion, determination and taking risks wouldn’t be possible. Be passionate and everything else will fall into place.

Every member of the Saints had passion during the Super Bowl. The outcome may have been different without it. Consider it an essential element in your personality toolbox. It really can make a difference.

.

Eric Alpin is the Associate Editor of Folk Media and works for a telecommunications company in Baltimore, Md. He is a social media enthusiast, blogger, writer, and student with a passion for leadership and self-development strategies and techniques. Find out more about Eric on Twitter.

*Photo by vancanjay