Author and businessman Robert Kiyosake said, “We all have defining moments. It is in these moments that we find our true characters. We become heroes or cowards: truth tellers or liars; we go forward, or we go backward.” We do not usually get to choose the time of our defining moments. Often, they come with a surprising outcome. Ask yourself this question. How many defining moments have I experienced in my life? You may be surprised when you start thinking about these events.
Defining moments show us who we really are. Our defining moments usually come as a surprise and may happen during times of crisis, like facing a personal failure. They can come about when we take an unpopular stance for something or against something.
Sometimes defining moments occur when we do not see them for what they are. Only afterward, as we look back, do we understand their importance. Either way, they define us and show others who we are. Most days we can wear a mask. However, during defining moments, we cannot. Our image means nothing. Neither does our resolve or connections.
We have no time to put a spin on our actions. Whatever is truly inside us is revealed to everyone. As a leader, defining moments tell the people following you who you really are, what you stand for, and why you are leading. Handled well a defining moment can bond leaders and follower for life. Handled poorly, it can end your ability to lead.
You will never be the same person after a defining moment. That is because defining moments are not routine. They give us an opportunity to turn, change direction, and seek a new destination. They present options and opportunities. In the moment, we must choose. And the choice we make will define us.
Words attributed to Mother Teresa describe these moments: “Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, compete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it.” So, Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Chaplain Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
