Who Is Driving The Bus?
This past week I had the immense pleasure of going to listen to one of my favorite authors, John C. Maxwell, speak at an intimate gathering some hours away.
I drove the four hours there and back in less than 24 hours so I would not miss too much at home and I listened to books, ate road trip food (hello Baked Lays, nuts and Kind bars) and even got in a beautiful visit with friends who lived in the area.
But, in doing this trip I was able to listen and learn in a concentrated, uninterrupted, focused and peaceful block of time that fed my leadership, faith and personal growth student hunger that I don’t think, in this lifetime, will ever, or could ever, be quenched [and I say that gladly].
There is so much to break down from his talks. I wrote down and voice recorded many notes that I shared with Brian and the girls while we waited for a table to open at one of our favorite lunch spots in town on Sunday. We talked and discussed what they meant as a whole and for us individually.
There was something I have noticed though that has been a frequent discussion and question asked since I came back and that is,
“Who is driving your bus right now?”
Now, this wasn’t a direct topic we covered, but it is all about self-awareness, which is essential as a leader.
What I mean by this question is…
Who is directing your behavior, your words and actions, right now?
Have you let the chaos of emotions and feelings take the wheel Tasmanian Devil style? Frustration, anger, entitlement, jealousy, sadness, depression, pain, overwhelm, or even exhaustion or crazy excitement? [These are the “me do it” drivers. The non-listening toddler with fingers in their ears and ignoring all good judgment and guidance kind. NOT the safest driver].
Is this a Jesus take the wheel scenario? [Been here… But, just to be clear, you do realize that for Jesus to drive your words and actions, which he absolutely can, you have to open the door and give Him that permission, right? It is real and more than just a good Carrie Underwood song].
Is it your best self with your intention and focus, compassion and respect, responsibility and obedience driving right now with eyes on where you are going and who you becoming? [When you have accepted Christ, this is when you are driving down the highway of life together, side by side. I wonder if He likes Baked Lays too?].
Here is the thing… someone is ALWAYS driving your “bus” and the beautiful thing is that you get to choose. It is one of the greatest lessons of self-disciplined leadership which is exactly where a foundation of worth, esteem and confidence leads!
Do those feelings matter? Sometimes no, but many times, yes! But, do they have the wisdom to drive a life? No! They are fleeting, chaotic, spastic and unpredictable.
If you described a driver this way to a cop that person would be pulled over and stopped from driving or worse… hurt themselves and others before they could be stopped.
Think about feelings and emotions as children in the backseat. They can influence the driver, sure, like when a parent has to pull off because someone needs a break or isn’t feeling well or just needs some time for something, but that child isn’t equipped to drive themselves.
The more we can teach her to identify the characters in her personality and the drivers in her life, the better she will be able to replace them when the wrong driver shows up.
To dive deeper into setting your daughter up for success visit Take The Lead or Contact Me for a complimentary session to explore best ways to equip your daughter with the firm foundation of worth, esteem and confidence she needs to become a leader of her life!
