Living Above the Common Life: A Leadership Journey Inspired by West Point

One of West Point's foundational principles in shaping future leaders is this powerful, simple truth: when you choose to lead, you make a decision to live above the common life. This idea calls for those in leadership roles to recognize that they're stepping into a life of significance and intentionality. They're choosing a path that isn't just about personal gain or comfort but about a legacy of impact, service, and meaning.

What It Means to Live Above a Common Life?

Living above the common life means committing to a purpose larger than yourself. For West Point cadets, it's a mindset instilled early on: as a leader, your life becomes about making decisions that serve a higher purpose. It's about transforming leadership into a calling, one that is both inspiring and humbling. This approach to leadership isn't for those seeking only to hold power or authority—it's for those ready to make sacrifices, accept greater responsibility, and live a life that challenges them to be their very best.

Choosing to live above a common life means being committed to values that transcend everyday concerns. It's a decision to prioritize integrity, courage, and self-discipline. Leaders who live this way are driven by a commitment to be meaningful in their actions and interactions. This is the shift from simply managing tasks to inspiring growth and change in others.?

Making the Decision to Lead a Life of Significance?

The decision to live above the common life isn't made once; it's reaffirmed daily. This commitment requires discipline, resilience, and a constant pursuit of self-improvement. It's a decision that transforms a leader's journey into one of intentionality and focus. A leader who chooses this path seeks to leave a meaningful impact, which often requires facing challenges, taking risks, and stepping outside of comfort zones.

Being significant isn't just about achieving goals—it's about inspiring others and bringing out their potential. Leaders living above the common life find meaning in empowering others, fostering teamwork, and creating a lasting legacy that benefits those around them.

Tips for Living Above the Common Life

?1.?Define Your Purpose

Clarify what you want to achieve and why it matters to you. Write it down, revisit it, and let it guide your decisions. Leaders with a clear purpose are less likely to be swayed by distractions and more likely to make choices that align with their values.

?2.?Seek Out Challenge and Growth

Living above the common life requires constant self-improvement. Push yourself to learn, adapt, and overcome new challenges. Embrace opportunities that stretch you and teach you resilience.

?3.?Serve Others with Humility

Leaders who live above the common life see service as the foundation of their actions. Approach leadership with humility, focusing on how you can make a positive impact on others' lives. By serving others, you elevate your role beyond personal gain and foster a community of trust and respect.

?4.?Hold Yourself Accountable

Leaders above the common life hold themselves to higher standards. Take responsibility for your actions and decisions, especially when things don't go as planned. Accountability not only builds trust but also strengthens your own resilience and commitment.

?5.?Be Consistent and Reliable

The hallmark of a leader who lives above the common life is consistency. Being reliable, dependable, and committed to your principles is essential for building credibility. Make decisions that reflect your values and show others that you can be counted on, even in difficult times.

?6.?Inspire and Mentor Others

Empower those around you by sharing your knowledge, experience, and encouragement. True leadership is about fostering the growth of others. When you invest in others' success, you not only strengthen your team but also create a ripple effect of positive influence.

?7.?Lead with Courage

Living above the common life means standing up for what's right, even when it's difficult. Be willing to take risks for what you believe in and encourage others to do the same. Courage in leadership isn't about fearlessness; it's about acting in alignment with your values despite challenges.

A Lasting Commitment

The decision to live above a common life isn't a path everyone is prepared to take. But for those who do, it offers a profound and fulfilling journey of meaning, growth, and impact. It's a journey that requires courage, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to something greater than oneself. At West Point, cadets learn this early because it is the foundation of true leadership.

This way of living isn't bound by title or position; it's available to anyone ready to serve a higher purpose. The commitment to live above a common life challenges leaders to inspire, to grow, and to leave a legacy that endures far beyond their time. As leaders, when we embrace this mindset, we make the powerful choice to live a life of significance, one that transforms both ourselves and the world around us.

- Dean