Three Minute Leadership: Thoughts from a Mountain Top

To: the Great Leaders Who Have a Passion for Continuous Learning

At a recent meeting I had the opportunity to hear and meet an extraordinary and inspirational woman, Paula Franzese, who shared a wonderful learning for great leaders.  She told the story of a monk who each morning made a difficult climb to the top of a mountain.  When he reached its summit, he would sit in quiet meditation looking at the beauty, splendor and peace that surrounded him. Afterwards, he would assemble his cloak and gently descend the mountain to begin his daily work. One day, the monk was asked why he made his daily climb to the top of the mountain. The monk’s eyes sparkled in quiet joy at the question, and in a soft voice responded: “I do this so that I can carry the mountain top with me under my cloak during my day.”

The story of the monk’s daily journey speaks to the simple preparation he makes each morning for the day before him. It is in those silent, precious moments that he validates, refreshes and renews his commitment to his life’s purpose and meaning. He knows that the day that follows will be filled with those small steps, expressed in his daily activities, that are his chosen life’s path. He wants to prepare for them that they are extraordinary in their realization.  His reflection atop the mountain brings quiet and peace to his soul carrying him throughout his day, giving him perspective, focus and strength to make this day, as all his days, extraordinary.

Climb your mountain each morning. Find those precious moments of quiet reflection. Fill your heart, mind and spirit with treasures that will inspire and give meaning and purpose to all that you do during your day – treasures that reflect your dreams, values, passions and love of life.  Give.  If there are times that you are tempted to forgo you morning ascent, remember the words of Robert Service, poet and writer: “It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out; it’s the grain of sand in your shoe.” Cast that grain out, and climb to see the awesome beauty that your day will hold.

Have a beautiful day and a magnificent week!!!

Mike

• ← Advisory Council Member Betty Manetta as Honored Speaker for Integrity and Professionalism Convocation 2014
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