Watching Mayor Giuliani after the September 11th attacks created an appreciation for him in me. He spoke with comfort, concern and encouragement. I heard him speak recently. He was a soft spoken man and said things that I have decided to add to my life. He said we need to read books. Read one book that will challenge you and one for enjoyment. I read books that will encourage, challenge, and cause me to become a better person. Usually they focus on business. But then those books are the books I enjoy.
In an article I read by Giuliani titled "The Courage to Lead" he states, "that the evening of September 11th he was reading a book by Winston Churchill and realized that courage doesn't simply materialize out of thin air. Courage begins years before, often in early days of childhood, as we forge our character. Each choice we make either strengthens or weakens it" Giuliani gives seven character traits that courageous people have.
Integrity. Giuliani states that his parents constantly stressed the importance of integrity. After years of listening to them, he realized they were teaching him to choose to be fair and honest. They wanted him to value integrity so much that he would be willing to stand up and fight for it. I would tell my children that if they would tell me the truth they wouldn't get into trouble but if they lied, they would wish the didn't. After testing me, my children realized that I meant what I said. There are times one of my children would be telling me the truth about a situation. My face and tone of voice would be calm and loving but inside I would be thinking, "I really don't want to know this!" Have you ever made a mistake, and could have covered it up...but didn't? That's integrity.
Determination. Giuliani states, " Courage isn't the absence of fear, it is the management of fear. Courage is being afraid but then doing what you have to do anyway." He also said, "Determination inspires others." Sometimes we don't even know what we fear until a situation faces us. A child graduating high school and going on to college, starting a new job, moving to a new location, fighting an illness, staying in a loveless marriage are some situations that may cause someone to become fearful. We come to a crossroad and have to make the decision to do what we have to do to push through.
Compassion & Love. Giuliani states that during the dark days of September 11th, he realized revealing your love and compassion doesn't weaken your leadership. It makes it stronger. Love helps us look beyond what's best for ourselves and focus on what's best for others.
Wisdom. Rudolph Giuliani had prostate cancer. Dealing with his cancer gave him wisdom about the importance of life. Giuliani states, "Our experiences mold and shape our wisdom. Wisdom can be gleaned from every conversation, every interaction and every book. Just ask yourself what you can learn from this." Having five children has caused my husband and I to go through many different experiences. I believe we have gained wisdom by going through these experiences and have wisdom to share but will others listen. Why is it that we seem to have to learn the hard way?
Hope, Encourage Optimism. Giuliani states that if you let fear, worry and doubt overcome you, you will lose the battle. Pessimistic leaders always fail. Fear paralyzes, hope mobilizes. Sometimes "hope" is all you have to hold onto. If you hold onto it long enough, not letting anything or anyone take it from you it works in your heart and mind and you can put "feet" to that hope and make things happen.
Composure: Don't Let Emotion Override Wisdom. Giuliani states his father taught him that the more emotional things get, the calmer you have to become to figure your way out. He continues, "as the old adage goes, don't sweat the small stuff. If you worry or panic about the small, day-to-day events in life, you won't be prepared for the big ones."
Faith: Gain Strength from God. Giuliani states he has always been enthusiastic about his faith in God and helping others. He decided to apply his strong beliefs to real-world situations. Giuliani continues, "Prayer and faith in God give us a strength that's impossible to attain any other way. Perhaps that's why most of us, when the chips are down, stop and pray for guidance and strength."
Giuliani has taught me to have courage. To look fear in the eyes and not let it over power you. To be determined and not to give up. What is your goal? What are you determined to achieve?
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