Leaders should seek meaningful achievements

I turned 54 last week.

Each birthday, I’m reminded of how much I love the aging process, odd as that may sound; maybe not so much for the slowing down of the metabolism, but for how much I’ve learned about life and about leadership. I think about the experiences I’ve had, the mistakes I’ve made and the successes I’ve enjoyed, and how each opportunity continues to mold who I am and what’s important to me.

No matter our age, as life rolls along, we need to stay mindful of assessing our growth and the direction we’re headed.   We need to regularly assess our destination and push ourselves toward accomplishing new meaningful achievements.

I’ve realized in the executive coaching I do, that some professionals are so focused on the monetary and recognition success path, it can sometimes lead them down a very lonely path and, in turn, they lose their ability to be an inspirational leader because they are unhappy and unfulfilled.

We must stay focused on seeking enriching opportunities.

In coaching, I encourage my clients to read Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go! which takes them back to a real simple place where they can dream about where they’re headed and what they want to do.   The book reads:

Congratulations!

            Today is your day.
            You’re off to Great Places!
            You’re off and away!

I am about to embark on what I’m certain will be one of the most meaningful experiences and opportunities and something that provides me great purpose as the Tulsa Area United Way 2013 Campaign Chair.  I have such a strong sense of responsibility in providing leadership of a campaign which impacts the lives of more than 630,000 people in our region.  It’s exciting, exhilarating and certainly a little scary.  But I’m motivated and I’m energized to get started.

No matter our age, we need to continue to assess our priorities and get off high center.

So…
            Be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
            Or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O’Shea,
            you’re off to Great Places!
            Today is your day!
            Your mountain is waiting.
            So…get on your way!

Becky Frank is the Chairman and CEO of STF and an expert in community outreach. She has created and executed wide-sweeping plans for a variety of clients nationally including corporations, universities, nonprofits and faith-based organizations.

Blog also published in the Journal Record.