Take Back the Pen
David Freund, Chief Leadership Officer

This morning, I found myself reflecting on Craig Groeschel’s message at Live2Lead. His talk was packed with enough insight to fill a book—far more than I can share with you today. But for now, I want to focus on one powerful statement he made:

“You need to change what you believe about yourself.”

The truth is this: we become what we think. Our beliefs about ourselves shape our actions, our confidence, and ultimately our destiny. And that reality is both exciting and a little terrifying. Exciting because we can change our beliefs far more easily than we think. Terrifying because many of our limiting beliefs sit quietly beneath the surface, tucked away in our subconscious—out of sight and, pardon the pun, out of mind.

Craig offered six simple but transformational ideas to help us grow personally and professionally:

1. If you’re not dead, you’re not done. Too many people have stopped living long before their obituary is written. They convince themselves their best days are behind them. But if you’re still breathing, you still have a purpose. Your future can be as bright as you choose to make it.
2. Step out of the trash and into your calling. Once you embrace idea #1, it’s time to step boldly into your purpose. Why are you here? There’s a reason you’re still on this planet. Ask yourself:

• • • What do you sing about?
    • What do you cry about?

3. Quit whining. You can move from failure to success, but you will never move from excuses to success. Failure is simply your First Attempt In Learning. Learn the lesson, get up, and try again.
4. You’re sharp. How do I know? Because you’re reading a post about leadership growth and development. That alone tells me you’re committed to getting better. Enough said.
5. Fix it. Ask yourself: What’s one thing I can do right now to step closer to my calling?
   Then, like Nike says, Just Do It.
6. Do what leaders do. Back in 2011, I began intentionally studying leadership. I devoured books, watched leaders in meetings, and learned to recognize what great leadership looks like. The more I studied, the more I grew. Do the same—study leaders, learn their habits, and model their behaviors.

Six simple practices that have the power to change what you believe about yourself. And remember:

If you place a low value on yourself, don’t expect anyone else to raise it.

You’re not done. Your future is still being written. And you get to hold the pen.