Over 15 years ago, when I was still working in Federal law enforcement, I attended a leadership development class. The instructor shared that over 90% of all Americans have little or no direction for their lives....no real long-term plan. From that day forward, I was determined to be different and wrote my mission statement for life. And, I still carry it with me every where I go.

• To laugh, love, live, and be happy…
• To create magic in my life and the lives of those around me...
• To never judge others, for life is hard…
• To achieve balance ~ physically, mentally, and spiritually…
• To welcome open and honest communication…
• To have a smile on my face and joy in my heart…
• To live simply, possessing integrity and courage…
• To find the best in others…
• To understand that the Universe is unfolding just the way it should be…

I’m not qualified to write about the specialty skills each of you possess in your line of work, but I am qualified to write about leadership.

Everything rises and falls on leadership. I wrote my mission statement so I would be clear about what I wanted from life.

You are the only one with your life. You may meet other people along your journey with your degree; however, there is only one person who can see what you see, feel what you feel, and do what you can do the way you do it. No one else has your very special life.

As the President and C.hief E.nthusiasm O.fficer of Upside Thinking, Inc., I’m often heard saying that no one wakes up and says, “Gee, I hope I’ll be a failure today.” Everyone wants to be extraordinary.

My advice to you is to write down what you want…everything! (I’ll tell you a little secret…that’s how I found my wonderful husband!)

Set your priorities, choosing to put your health and family before your work.

In a world where people are dollar rich and time poor, it’s rare to truly listen. Be different. Honor others by being still and listening to them…not only with your ears, but with your heart.

Be generous with your time, your money, and your talents. Give, give, and give some more. I can guarantee that it will come back to you in ways you never imagined.

Recognize abundance wherever you go, living with an attitude of gratitude. Enjoy the journey. Be grateful for every challenge and every opportunity that comes your way. Give thanks for every moment and be present in order to truly see the miracles around you. Appreciate your family, friends, and colleagues for who they are, not what you want them to be.

Be committed to excellence. It's not enough to believe you want an extraordinary life, you must be committed to it.

May you be a leader of leaders who experiences more success than you've ever imagined!