On a temporary basis, these are common to leaders, what requires more immediate action is if they have become chronic and crowd out optimism and hope.
You can begin to regain your hope in the future by meditating on these truths. God is your Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, Refuge, Strength, and Rest.
God provides the power to win over doubt, worry, cynicism, negativity and fear. He is our source and can replace those five responses to the uncertain and challenging circumstances of life with trust, faith and hope.
You can add strength to that meditation by soaking in scriptures such as:
And one of my favorites, Psalm 43:5:
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Praise and worship of God helps conquer our worries, fears and doubts.
5 Practical Choices To Help You Lead With Optimism and Hope
1. Refuse To Let Your Critics Get the Best of You.
With even modest success, you will have critics. It’s easy to let them wear you down and discourage you. You may need to listen once, and learn what you can, but you are not captive to their agenda.
We can help our critics see a different perspective. One that isn’t based on our agenda or theirs, but something higher, greater and one that might unite us.
Your critic might be hurting. Try to discover what’s underneath their complaint.
The ironic thing is that sometimes we can be our own toughest critic. Self-evaluation is good, but be cautious of overthinking things, being too hard on yourself, and forgetting to create room for mistakes and joy.
2. Keep Your Heart Set on the Vision.
A great heart-felt vision brings hope. As leaders, each of us must stay focused on something bigger than ourselves.
