Thought Leader

With the proliferation of platforms available for information sharing a significant amount of space is used by thought leaders. A generally accepted broad definition of a thought leader is a person (or a firm) recognized and sought after for their expertise and/or opinion. They are creative, innovative, provide insight and inspire people to action through blogs, posts, webinars, websites, books, videos, speaking engagements etc. There are other varying definitions and I could say much more should I choose to follow this direction, however that is not my intention. This short post is written to challenge you to become a thought leader, as in one who leads their own thoughts.

Leading one’s own thoughts is not a new concept by any means yet it is rarely discussed, it is not taught in schools nor many extra-curricular activities, it is not passed down in most homes, it is rarely a part of business development training therefore, as a result, en masse we are led by our thoughts. 

Osho proffers - Mind: a beautiful servant, a dangerous master.

This statement stands alone, nothing I can add could give it a deeper, more powerful meaning. I will just say that as the mind does it’s job in presenting a multitude of thoughts to us in any given moment, hour, or day we are responsible for what happens next. It is wonderful when our thoughts serve us, prompt us to do things that benefit others and ourselves, that cause us to be kind and smart, healthy and wise, generous and productive but what about when our thoughts prompt us to be lazy and vindictive, sour and cruel, indifferent and rude? 

About his book “As A Man Thinketh” - James Allen said “It shows how, in his own thought-world, each man holds the key to every condition, good or bad, that enters into his life, and that, by working patiently and intelligently upon his thoughts, he may remake his life, and transform his circumstances.”

The first part of Bible verse Romans 12:2 instructs do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and Philippians 4:8 exhorts finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Both Allen and the Bible put the responsibility to lead our own thoughts squarely in our laps. Do you accept the challenge to be a thought leader, one who leads his/her own thoughts?