Dr Charles Kariuki (Empower Evolution) on LinkedIn: #reflectivedecisionmaking #wisdom #authenticity #values… (2024)

“My purpose is to remove obstacles and constraints to personal growth. I creatively solve complex problems by listening, researching, theorizing, synthesizing information, asking the better questions, and using my verbal/linguistic skills.”My vision: “To see relationships, organizations, and communities healed and reconciled so they are places of grace and graceful challenge where people can flourish.”I wrote these in 1998…I think…before I started seminary. I review them every year and have made very few edits over the years. These statements drive me, help me to stay “yes” to what is important, keeps me connected to my values, and maintains my alignment to the gifts unique to me. It informs my personal development, the projects I take on, my interests, and even my parenting.Honestly, it is not easy to stay aligned with mission and vision.However, these statements serve as guardrails - helping me to get back on the path when things feel off or misaligned. They prevent me from straying into unsatisfying territories.Misalignment with my mission and vision is signaled by stress, anxiety, lack of meaning, a feeling of aimlessness, and a sense of ineffectiveness. I learned early to always go back to these statements to remind myself of who I am, what I am about, and the direction I am heading.To me, a mission and it’s corresponding vision is much bigger than a career. Much bigger than prestige, awards, and material possessions. All of these things are nice but, not the ultimate goal.Building people is everything to me.If you work in an organization, there is a high probability you’ve gone through the exercise of creating your personal mission and vision statements (as well as a list of values).#leadership is about behaving in ways that are consistent and tightly aligned with who you want to be in the world, the impact you want to make, what is important to you, and the legacy you want to leave behind for those who will come after you.So, let’s hear it….What is your mission or life purpose? What are you here to do? What is your big “what”? (Because “why” on its own goes nowhere.)Not sure? It’s never too late to figure it out.

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How Amateurs Miss Out on the Law of AttractionThey:- Focus on what they don’t want.- Get distracted by negative thoughts.- Let unwanted things consume their attention.How the Pros Leverage the Law of AttractionThey: - Focus on what they desire.- Maintain positive and goal-oriented thoughts.- Direct their attention to what they want to attract.You attract what you think of. → If you feel stressed - you amplify stress.→ If you feel insecure - you create doubts.→ If you think about failures - you attract setbacks.→ If you focus on abundance - you attract opportunities.→ If you think about success - you manifest achievements.→ If you invest in your team - you inspire dedication.→ If you feel confident - you radiate strength.Why do we make it so complicated?It's just that simple.Let's just focus on what we want.___________→ Do you focus on what you want every day?→ Reshare if you’d like others to see this post.→ Follow me for more content like this.#Leadership #Responsibility #Effectiveness

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In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, it's easy to overlook the foundational pillars that truly define our success and fulfillment: moral values, beliefs, and relationships.**Moral Values and Beliefs:**Moral values and beliefs are the compass that guides our actions and decisions. They shape our character, influence our interactions, and determine our legacy. Integrity, honesty, respect, and empathy are not just words; they are the bedrock of a meaningful life and a thriving professional career. Upholding these values builds trust and fosters an environment where everyone can thrive.**The Importance of Relationships:**At the heart of any successful venture are strong, authentic relationships. Whether with family, friends, colleagues, or clients, the connections we cultivate are crucial. Relationships built on mutual respect, understanding, and support enrich our personal and professional lives. They provide the network we rely on during challenges and the joy we share during triumphs.In essence, while skills and knowledge are critical, it's our values and the relationships we nurture that truly propel us forward.#Values #Beliefs #Relationships #Leadership #Success #ProfessionalGrowth #PersonalDevelopment

The notion that we are the average of the five people we associate with most is not just a popular adage—it's a principle that bears significant weight in both our personal and professional lives. Today, I'd like to take you through an introspective look at the five individuals who are central to my world and, by extension, how they contribute to my growth and development.At the core of my inner circle stands an optimist whose sunny outlook on life is nothing short of infectious. This person's positivity breathes life into every situation, encouraging resilience and a can-do attitude within me. There’s also the Innovator—a friend deeply entrenched in the tech realm, whose acuity and love for modern advancements challenge me to stay ahead of the curve and continually refine my skill set. Then we have the Voice of Reason. Their astute perspectives provide a grounding force in my life, compelling me to keep my feet planted firmly on the ground even when ambition aims to sweep me up.Another pivotal figure is the Sage—a mentor whose life's worth of wisdom serves as a beacon, guiding my decision-making processes and career trajectory. Their insights prove invaluable in navigating the ever-evolving landscapes we encounter. Rounding out this quintet is the Creative Soul. Our shared enthusiasm for innovation spurs mutual inspiration, driving us to explore new frontiers in our respective fields.Each of these individuals has left an indelible mark on my character, enabling me to cultivate a multifaceted personality equipped with resilience, thirst for knowledge, pragmatism, insight, and creativity. Collectively, they've helped me aspire to greater heights and continue to shape my approach to business and leadership.In conclusion, the power harnessed from our relationships should not be underestimated. I encourage you all to take stock of your closest connections. Evaluate how they influence your path and consider how you too could leverage these relationships to enrich your life’s narrative and professional endeavors.

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address gracefully highlight some of the lessons I took form the last book I've read, "The Prophet" written by the Lebanese philosopher and writer Khalil Gibran.My Takeaways from "On Work" by Khalil Gibran:1. The poem speaks about #unity and #accord, that every aspect of human labor is #collective in nature. #Cooperation is essential for survival and productivity depends on harmonious social structures.2. To love yourself, you must understand your #value and #purpose. Work helps us recognize our worth and contributions, shaping our sense of purpose through effort.3. Finding love in our work may require us to show-up differently seek alternative routes for growth and development. Quite often, it’s not the job that is no longer serving you, butyouwho has chosen not to serve the job with your whole heart and passion. What would happen if you did?This brings me full circle to the previous book I've read and I highly recommend it to those seeking their meaning. HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose by John Coleman.

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Confusing one’s title with your identity inevitably results in a crisis of well-being. Find balance by building a support system and investing in outside interests. You are more than your job. #Growth #LeadershipDevelopment

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LEADERSHIP LESSONSMy first gray hair in the beard has revealed itself. Honestly, I like it! I see it as the the lessons learned on this leadership growth journey! While on this journey, there have been many things that I’ve had to overcome over the years, and quite often, found myself in isolation doing so. As such, if you continue to wait for their praise, applause, and validation, then you’re gonna struggle in your growth.Because at first,They’ll laugh at you, call you weird, delete you, unfollow you, spread rumors about you, throw stones at you, ignore you for years.Then, when you get things to click and you grow exponentially,They’ll say: “Congratulations”“I always knew you could…”“Congrats, now can you do me a favor…”“Can you co-sign…”“Can I borrow…”“Can you support…”Then when you become selective in who you choose to acknowledge, They’ll say,“Oh he thinks he’s better than me…”“He’s gone all Hollywood…”“He’s forgotten where he came from…”Ignoring the noise as you grow is difficult at first. I can’t lie! But it is a necessary step as you seek employment, that promotion, that new job, apply for school, or engage in the next business venture! Yes, cherish those who have supported you along the way. But, you’ll begin to learn that the other noise is just that. Noise! Put on some noise cancellation headphones and get to work. You feel me? #leadershipgrowth #growthmindset #believeinyourself #purposedrivenleadership

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🌟 Embrace Your Inner Voice: Don't Let External Noise Drown It Out 🌟Steve Jobs once said, "Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice." These words hold profound wisdom, especially in the dynamic realm of business.In a world inundated with opinions, trends, and competing voices, it's easy to lose sight of our own convictions and unique perspectives. Yet, it's precisely our inner voice that often holds the key to innovation, creativity, and success.In business, staying true to our vision and beliefs is paramount. While feedback and advice are valuable, they should never overshadow our own intuition and insights. Whether navigating through challenges, making strategic decisions, or charting new territories, listening to our inner voice can be the compass that guides us toward our goals.By tuning out the noise of external influences and embracing our authentic selves, we can unlock our full potential and lead with clarity and conviction. So, let's remember to honor our inner voice—it just might be the greatest asset we possess on our journey to success. #InnerVoice #AuthenticLeadership #BusinessWisdom

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About 95% people in the world don't listen to their heart. In a world teeming with advice at every turn, distinguishing between the cacophony of external opinions and the quiet whisper of your inner voice can be daunting. Yet, it’s this subtle guidance that often leads us to our truest paths. Why, then, do we so often sideline our own desires for the sake of others' expectations? The fear of failure, the allure of approval, and the comfort of conformity play their parts. But what if I told you that the most successful journeys began with a simple, bold step: listening to one's heart? Here’s why embracing your inner voice could be your ultimate career strategy: 🔸 Authenticity Breeds Excellence: When your actions align with your core, your potential is limitless. Authenticity isn't just about being true to yourself; it's a strategy for innovation and true leadership. 🔸 Risk and Reward: Following your heart often means taking risks. Yet, history shows us that the greatest achievements come from stepping into the unknown, armed with nothing but belief in one's vision. 🔸 Resilience: When you pursue what genuinely moves you, setbacks are less discouraging. Your passion becomes your fuel, making resilience not just possible but inevitable. But how do we start tuning into our inner voice amid all the noise? 🔺 Reflect Daily: Spend time alone, journal, meditate, or simply sit in silence. The goal is to give your inner voice a chance to be heard. 🔺 Question Everything: Ask yourself whether the path you’re on excites you or if it’s one you’ve chosen under external pressure. 🔺 Small Steps: Start with small, daily choices that reflect your true desires. These will build the confidence to make larger life and career decisions based on your inner guidance. 🔺 Seek Alignment, Not Approval: Evaluate your decisions based on how they align with your values and long-term vision, not on the immediate approval they might garner. In the end, the choice to follow your heart or the crowd is yours. But remember, every great innovator, leader, and thinker you admire once faced the same crossroads and chose their inner voice. What will your choice be? 👉 If you enjoyed this post, share it and follow me for more! #CareerDevelopment #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity

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The most valuable Business advice !