5 Positive, Powerful Leadership Thoughts That Can Change a Student's Life

Today I was prompted to remember a special privilege I had several years ago. It was December, 2011, and I was given the opportunity and challenge of being the keynote speaker at the Leadership Day Assembly at Life School Oak Cliff Elementary. The auditorium was packed with excited students as Christmas break was just a few days away. I wrapped 5 rather large boxes in Christmas paper and bows to use as props. I told the students that Mrs. Bishop was going to leave with them 5 Christmas Presents! Not the kind you buy at WalMart or ToysRUs. Not the kind of gifts that break or get lost or that you outgrow. I told them I would leave them with something that would last a lifetime and had the potential to change the course of their lives! Inside those boxes were 5 powerful, positive leadership thoughts.

I must admit that I got a little teary-eyed thinking back on that day, prayerfully watering the seeds that were planted in those little hearts and minds, and marveling at the resident potential held in those seeds. Now as I rehearse those 5 positive, powerful leadership thoughts, I'm reminded that, on a daily basis, teachers plant seeds that can change a student's life. So, teachers, if you need some seeds to sow...here you go.

We all want our students (and our own children) to be high achievers. We want them to be positive, strong, self confident leaders. High achievers can attribute their success to 3 simple things - hard work, practice, and continuing to try even when mistakes are made or when things get tough. This builds confidence and character. With that in mind, take note of these 5 positive, powerful leadership thoughts that can change the course of a student's life!

Positive, Powerful Leadership Thought #1 - I have control over my own life and I am responsible for my own happiness.

• The opposite of this thought is - What happens to me is completely beyond my control and everyone else is supposed to make me happy.

Students, you can take control of your life by making right choices. We can each take responsibility for our own happiness when we manage our emotions and we develop self-control.


Positive, Powerful Leadership Thought #2 - Hard work and learning is what builds my character and my confidence, and it is what leads me to success.

• The opposite thought of this is - I deserve to be successful and rewarded without hard work. Hard work and learning creates misery.

Students, the road to success is paved with hard work and character! Your success is measured by EFFORT!

Positive, Powerful Leadership Thought #3 - Tough things may be challenging, but I have what it takes to learn and solve most problems that I face.

• The opposite thought of this is - Tough things are unfair. I just can't learn and solve problems on my own.

Students, you can do more than you think you can do! You have what it takes!


Positive, Powerful Leadership Thought #4 - I can learn from my mistakes. When things get hard, it's time to keep trying.

• The opposite thought is - Mistakes are the end of the world. When things get hard, it's time to give up.

Students, don't waste your pain! Learn from it! Get up and try again! When the goin' gets tough, the tough get goin'!

Positive, Powerful Leadership Thought #5 - I should serve my family, my community, and my country.

• The opposite thought is - My family, my community, and my country should serve me.

Students, serving others will bring you deep satisfaction, develop your character, and help you to learn new skills.

        Every day teachers plant seeds that can touch and change a student's life! 

        Uh, oh! I  think I'm getting teary-eyed again!