Hi,
We all know that the Presidential election in the United States has meant so much for so many people around the world - at no other time in recent history have so many people pinned their hopes to one man and his dream of changing the tides of our times towards a safer, prosperous, stronger and united world. Far and away from cynicism and fear, the people of America have voted for a historical victory that more than anything else, represents truth and justice; freedom and democracy; hope and salvation.
Some of us can continue to be pessimistic and cynical and think what one can man do to change the course of our times? But let me ask you, if the same pessimism prevailed throughout Barack Obama’s election campaign, then would he have got this far? Would he have been voted for by white, middle-class, traditionally ‘red’ republican states (such as Ohio) to help him win last night? So its true, the electoral map of the US has been somewhat re-configured to fit in with the perception that one man and his dream can bring about the change that people are so desperately seeking. And in any case, was it not one man and his team (Bush) who was the cause of so much political, diplomatic and economical turmoil around the world over the past 8 years?
In my opinion, it was not the fight against John McCain that won the hearts and minds of people, it was Obama’s tumultuous fight against the Clintons that actually sealed his victory. This formidable team of husband and wife, former President and First Lady of the White House, who are so well connected, experienced and entrenched in the institutional mosaic of the country, posed the biggest challenge to Obama and his dream. Yet, he won through, battling from caucus to caucus, state to state, shore to shore.
At times it was neck-and-neck with primaries undecided as to who had the edge, at other times there was a clear win for either Senator’s Hillary or Obama, respectively. The fact that he overcame the odds back then to win convincingly over the formidable Clintons (and I say that deliberately because Bill was working hard alongside wife Hillary to make their return to the White House), was the defining moment that set Obama head and shoulders above any other candidate - democrat or otherwise!
So let’s bring this home. What does this mean for you as an individual whatever your predicament, context and stage in life? Is there an inner vision that is burning inside of you that you so dearly wish to achieve, or are you going to let mediocrity and ‘comfort’ be your place of existence? We can all be driven by another person, or a personality, that reflects our own desires and ambitions, but what about taking ownership for our own actions and taking the bold step forward to shape our personal destiny that really defies the odds?
If anything, the resounding message of the day is that authentic self-leadership is what’s needed - at all levels - in order to confront our personal, individual and collective future. It’s been difficult in recent times, and it will probably continue to be so, with wars and invasions, terrorism and fear-mongering, famine, climatic change, credit crunch, foreclosures and re-possessions, substance abuse, mental illness and family breakdown to mention just a few aspects, but how are you going to make a difference to your own situation?
I believe that the victory of Obama last night is symbolic in many ways - some say a wiping out of the ‘original sin’ of America (i.e. slavery), but at the same time we need to remember that much needs to be done to repair and heal the sores created by greed, vice, mis-judgment and mis-management that has caused havoc and led to a cancerous state over the years. There aren’t necessarily easy answers to the problems, but I believe they can be simplified if we are true to our heart and reason well with our mind.
Just think, tough decisions have to be made at every level of organisation and living: on a national level there are concerns over our employment, health issues, financial challenges, educational and housing needs and so on. Someone - or people - have to deal with these and take decisions that will affect the future of many lives. The same is also true of our personal lives and so we have get to grips with making tough decisions that are of longer term benefit to our singular mission and purpose. That’s where the strength of leadership resides: in remaining true, authentic and principled in times of choice such that the best decision is made in time of crisis and routine.
Do you feel that you are making and taking the best decision in your life? Do you feel stuck in a situation that is affecting your ability to live life at its peak - regardless of the external resources available? Are you seeking a new way, a new life, a fresh turn in your whole being so that you can inject the real meaning and beauty of life into your soul. Are you the type of person who has been led by other people’s notion of your identity and image; of your career and residential location; of your choice in relationships, friendship and companionship; have you been living at sub-standards and are aching to break loose from monotony?
Then begin believing in the same hope that drives the African women to travel 10 miles bear-footed on hot sand to fetch a pale of water and quench her children’s thirst. Believe in the same hope that unmoved a young white girl in face of an Israeli tank to help bring peace & justice in the Middle East till the point her life is prematurely sacrificed. Believe in the strength and conviction of one Afro-American man to defy the odds and become the 44th President of the United Sates of America, in a country that only less than 50 years ago was facing civil strife and racial hatred.
Believe in the power of change and come forward for the training and coaching services of Ark2Ark to help you on your way.
For Success and Contentment,
Asad Khan
Principal Trainer &
Executive Life Coach
