It is what we allow it to be...............

 

      Although we cannot dictate all the circumstances around us, there is no excuse for being unprepared or irresponsible.  All too often we disregard our ability to influence the outcome because we see a situation as beyond our control.  We casually dismiss our responsibility with the refrain, "It is what it is."

     We need to lead.  Even when circumstances feel completely beyond our control, we must still act.  Only then will we be positioned to exert our influence, which will drive us closer to determining the outcome.  By leading, we can overcome the feeling of victimization and, instead, understand the range of options within our power.

     By taking control of our preparation, reaction, and response to problems, we become leaders.  When we reframe our mindset and see situations through the lens of leadership, we understand that things don't have to remain as they are.

-Dave Berke, The Need to Lead: A TOPGUN Instructor's Lessons on How Leadership Solves Every Challenge