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By Beau Williamson

Beau Williamson

"Our next 10-20 years can be predicted by looking at the books we are reading and the people we are surrounding ourselves with."

So what's the big deal? Why is leadership one of the MOST talked about words in human history? Why is the NJSA theme for 2012 dedicated to this word? Why is it important for YOU to be a leader? These are all great questions.

Many of our thoughts around leadership come from our past experiences. My launch into leadership is attributed to three foundational experiences: my involvement in the FFA as a state and national officer, my time in the NJSA attending the national leadership conferences and my engagement with my high school's football program. These combined experiences catapulted me into realizing what my "greater potential" is as it relates to leadership.

Through these experiences, I learned the value of investing in the lives of others through encouraging them to believe in themselves and reach their greater potential. It was here that I first discovered the opportunity we have to literally speak life into those around us and the importance of being a positive role model. I also learned about the importance of first leading yourself well because of the direct influence that has on leading others. We must make sure we are investing in our potential as leaders. And I can assure you that your potential is indeed infinite.

One of the stepping stones to fully engaging with your potential as a leader is to set great goals. The more specific you can make a goal the better! The objective should be to make your goal less blurry by giving it more detail – making it more defined. Picture yourself riding in a car with a foggy windshield. It is hard to drive when you cannot see clearly out the windshield, isn't it? This same concept applies to the goals we set for ourselves. It is imperative to set our goals in such a way that we can clearly see the target we are aiming for.

If you were to ask yourself, "Who are the top 5 people I spend most of my time with?" what would your answer be? What is it about those individuals that you really value? What characteristics do they possess that you hope to model in your life? It is important that you take time to think about your network. What kind of connections and network do you have right now? We are in a relationship-driven world. Take time to invest in quality relationships.

One of the best pieces of advice ever given to me was: "Our next 10-20 years can be predicted by looking at the books we are reading and the people we are surrounding ourselves with."

Think about that! What kind of things are you reading? Who are you surrounding yourself with? How are these things influencing you, your behavior and who you are becoming? There is a direct correlation to the person you are becoming and the books you read along with the people you surround yourself with. As you develop yourself, may you surround yourself with great people and read great books… not just good ones, I mean GREAT ones!

Leadership is all about CHOICES. It is about the CHOICES that you, yes you, the person reading this very article, make! It is your CHOICE to do what's right over what's popular. It is your CHOICE to take advantage of the opportunities before you. It is your CHOICE to set great goals, read great books and connect with great people. You have the power to choose, no matter your circumstances in life.

Remember that you have great potential to add something to this world! Never underestimate your ability to make a difference. We all carry with us a legacy of leadership. Some people's leadership torch burns brighter than others. But then again, the brightness of your torch rests on the choices that you make. What will you choose?

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YOUR 2012 PERSONAL LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE:

1. Write down three things that are essential for you to accomplish in 2012. This means if you don't make progress on this goal in 2012, then you would count the year as a failure. What are your essential wins?
2. Write three people in your life a letter. Write one letter to someone thanking them for what they have done. Write the next letter to someone who means a lot to you and share that with them. Write the last letter to someone who you see has potential and encourage them.
3. Read one new book for your personal development. Serve someone with a random act of kindness. Try something new that will stretch you to grow.