Although we may think of successful and powerful
people as being the "creme de la creme", there are many "stars" in the
world of entertainment, for example, who are less than perfect. Big
noses, crooked teeth, less than perfect bodies - they all exist in the
world of the "star". I believe that one facet of being a star, or
becoming powerful, may come a certain charisma or confidence from
living a life with passion and purpose.
It has been said of Madonna that it took more than the talent she possessed to achieve her superstar status; she possesses first and foremost a "crystal clear vision and a will of steel." In other words, she has a vision of who she is and what she will do, and she lived it for many years before it became a reality.
Not all of us want to be stars - and I think few people would want to actually live Madonna's stress-filled life. I think most of us, however, do want to influence others - make a difference - with our lives. The most powerful way to do that is with the way that you live your own life. Having the same kind of clear vision of who you are, what you do - and living with true integrity is a powerful influencer. Anyone can speak (or write) of the "right" way to live, it is another matter entirely to set out to actually do it.
Before you can positively influence the lives of others, you must first take control of your own life. You must gain a clear vision (even if that vision is ever-changing - think of the way Madonna has "reinvented" her public persona so successfully over the years), and you must live the life you envision. Whatever you desire to teach to others, you must first live yourself - and in so doing you will prove its importance.
A few years ago, I had a small group of people who were unhappy with the way I was leading a much larger group. That group decided to make some accusations and fling a bit of mud. The accusations were untrue and hurtful, but I made the decision to let my life speak for itself. People can accuse you of anything. "Talk is cheap", as the saying goes. What stands the test of time is the way that you live your life. In the end, a few people believed the lies - because a few people will want to believe the worst of anyone - but the vast majority of the group was smart enough to compare the accusations to their own personal experience with me. My life spoke louder than any protestation of innocence ever would.
One night, as my then-husband and I were driving home a very inconsiderate driver pulled in front of us at a much slower speed causing us to break severely to avoid a collision. The driver had a free lane and had simply not been paying attention. On the back of the car was a religious bumper sticker. I told my husband, "That is why I will never have a religious symbol on my car! I would never want someone to see me do something stupid or unthinking and then say, "all Christians are inconsiderate hypocrites!" Afterwards I realized that I would like live my life in a way that would be a credit to my religion all the time - and that is something to strive for, not to hide from!
Who you are and what you do with your life will always be far more convincing evidence of your beliefs than what you say. As we go into a new year, consider your beliefs and ask yourself in what ways your life is a symbol of those beliefs, and in what ways you may be saying one thing and acting in another. The way to begin is to develop that crystal clear vision. Create a passion for yourself about your beliefs - and if that passion does not exist question the importance of the beliefs in your life.
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