Pioneer of the Future

Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future. — Deepak Chopra

Have you ever felt trapped by reactive behavior? I know I sometimes react rather than respond, even though what I'm about to share is an important part of becoming less reactive.

Consider this question whenever you find yourself about to react: "Ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future?" as Deepak Chopra wisely puts it.

My journey toward becoming a more insightful and productive leader was significantly shaped by one critical change: a newfound understanding of how the mind works.

It can be a profound shift, transformative in scope, yet it remains unknown to many who remain caught up in the maze of their own thoughts.

Imagine suddenly realizing there is a relentless voice in your head, and that ceaseless internal chatter falls suddenly silent. There’s a revelation in that silence: another presence within, an observer, is listening.

Have you ever experienced that? When this occurs, it’s as if the static noise in your mind, which you perhaps overlooked before, suddenly falls silent.

With that decrease in mental noise, a new world opens. The present moment, once blurred by constant thought, sharpens into focus. Reality appears as it is.

In this spacious mental environment, fresh ideas and innovative solutions can appear. You don’t just work in the quiet here; you engage deeply. You don’t just hear — you listen, truly and deeply.

What about those anxious stories we create in our minds? ‘What if my boss didn't like what I said at the meeting?’ Such mental commentary and projection, stories about what could go wrong, start to fade. They lose their tight grip on your consciousness.

In 2017, this shift in understanding of my mind revolutionized my approach to work and life. The impact? Immediate and transformative. People noticed. Curious about my enhanced creativity and productivity, colleagues contacted me to ask what had happened.

Our thoughts are nearly perpetual to the untrained mind, humming in the background of our waking lives. But it doesn't have to be that way. Within us lies a quieter place of stillness that is peaceful and alive with potential. From this space, insights beyond ordinary thinking are not just possible — they are accessible.

Deepak Chopra's question isn't just a rhetorical one. It's a practical, vital inquiry, a crossroads we all encounter. But to truly stand at this crossroads, to really have the choice, demands some mastery over our own minds.

Are you ready to take that journey? Our next LeaderONE Leader workshop for Basic and Professional members occurs on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

Let’s embark on a mission to continue to redefine our minds and roles as leaders in this ever-evolving world. When we do this together, our results and impact are greatly magnified. I hope to see you at the workshop.

Here's to our journey beyond boundaries.

— Bill

Bill Fox, Founder @ LeaderONE, SpaceB, and Forward Thinking Workplaces