Leaders Must Learn To BOP! - Be Open To Progress

Keep your eyes, ears, mind, and heart open for ways to progress

Each of us has unbelievable potential, which, for the most part, is only limited by our minds. Our mindset is the first thing we have to empower if we’re going to create progress in a world of change. It may be uncomfortable and even painful, but we must shift our focus to the possible if we are to harness our potential. 
 
This is especially true in this ever-changing, always challenging marketplace. While any number of actions and initiatives may be employed to progress, our minds must first be willing. When the going gets tough, the mind has to get tough to get going. 
 

It takes guts to confront an uncertain future. But that future, though unpredictable, also brings the possibility of progress. Even unwanted “change” can present opportunities, but we have to be in the right mental state to identify and pounce on them. Turbulence and problems are life forces that may be seen as opportunities for growth and advancement. Be open to change as an opportunity to create progress. 
 
As Albert Einstein said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Acceptance evokes our personal power to navigate change and create progress. Some transitions are welcomed and some are not. Either way, recognize that we are engaged in a transition, and our attention is needed.  
 
Learning to BOP (Be Open to Progress) helps. In bop music of the 1940s, musical interaction between the soloist and the drummer was referred to as “dropping bombs.” When the world “drops bombs” and sends its jazzy licks our way, we need to feel we have bombs to drop as well that will put us back in the groove (or at least know where we can find shelter). 
 
Be ready, willing, and able to improvise. We create our future with our responses to change. Interact with the change, get intimate with it. We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control our reaction to what happens to us. When we open up to new experiences, we discover potential in ourselves we never knew we had.  Often, it takes more effort not to do something than to do it. It helps to be flexible in how we view problems. We need to quit burning up our energy in shooting down ideas. Latch on to a couple of ideas and go for it. Think “Yes, I'll do it” instead of “No, not me,” or “This will not work.” 
 
Invent your future by committing to lifelong learning. Knowing that change is coming and even why we must change is not enough; it helps to know how to progress. Be ready for the world and its endless opportunities for progress. Learn what you need to learn, and more. 
 
Action steps often need time to work. It's important to give them that time. However, we must also be open-minded enough to know when to use alternate approaches and strategies to move forward.

Commit to progress, not to a plan. Commit to action. Keep your eyes, ears, mind, and heart open for ways to progress. 

Dean Lindsay is the author of Creating Progress In A World Of Change. He is a powerful keynote speaker and author of the award-winning book, How To Achieve Big PHAT Goals. Visit www.DeanLindsay.com Follow @deanlindsay  Connect Dean Lindsay