Year: 2020

Be The Change we all want to see. We want things to change whether it’s with our jobs, families, or even the government. However, we spend more time talking about the problem then finding a solution. If you get anything out of these blogs know that one of the most powerful things you can do as a leader is be the change you want to see!

After a recent political event that aired on television, I noticed my friends discussing something they observed that was not acceptable in their opinion. I gently responded with a “why don’t you e-mail that particular political person?” Don’t get wrapped up in the politics – take appropriate action and air your ideas and concerns to the right audience. Sure it’s easy to have a comment on social media generate a “rant” and sometimes for good reason. The reality is this – the person you are ranting about is never going to see your social media comment. Be the change you want to see in others or as Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Confidence

Be confident in whatever you do regardless of where you are in life. You may not always feel like you can conquer the day much less the world but, you can start by waking up and believing you are going to have an amazing day! It’s that simple. Sure it doesn’t mean you need to be happy all the time, nor is that very realistic. Whether you are a politician, check out clerk or grant writer be confident! Don’t let your status hinder your confidence or vise versa you don’t want to be overconfident either.  And, for goodness sake, don’t compare yourself to anyone else either. That is their story – you go write your own story. My Grandmother used to tell me “you have to wave your own flag.” That is so true. You determine who you are so why not do it with confidence.

Circumstances And Fear

It’s Black History month, a time we often recall many who rose above their circumstances and fears. One such person is Nelson Mandela. Rolihlahla Mandela (Nelson) was born on July 18, 1918, into the Madiba clan, in Mvezo of the Eastern Cape. His father was the principal counselor to the Acting King of the Thembu people.

As a young boy, Rolihlahla, was impacted by his elders stories of valor in the wars of resistance. Sadly, when he was 12 years old his father died and young Mandela, then known as Rolihlahla became a ward of the state. This defining moment Mandela identifies as the event that spawned his dreams of making his own contributions for the freedom of his people. It was in his primary school years a teacher gave him the Christian name “Nelson,” as was the custom then.

After a series of events including being thrown out of a University because of a Student protest, Nelson graduated with a BA in 1943 from the University of South Africa. He went on to enter politics. By 1952, Nelson was chosen as the National Volunteer-in-Chief of the Defiance Campaign. This campaign protested six unjust laws between the ANC and the South African Indian Congress. Because of the protests, Nelson and 19 others were criminally charged. They were sentenced to nine months of hard labor. That sentence was suspended for two years.

Staying the Course

While working on his BA Mandela’s obtained a two year degree in law. In 1952, Mandela along with a partner established the first black law firm in South Africa, “Mandela & Tambo.” Consequently, by the end of the year, Mandela was restricted and could only watch in the shadows as the “Freedom Charter” was adopted in 1955. South Africa became a very racially charged and turbulent society. Mandela would find himself on trial for treason in 1956, but he was acquitted in 1961. That only inspired Mandela to write to Prime Minister Verwoerd requesting a national convention for a non-racial constitution in South Africa or face a national strike. Subsequently, by going underground and using the name David Motsamayi, he secretly left South Africa to travel to England and around Africa to gain support for the struggle of his people.

It was a difficult journey with many arrests and convictions for Mandela, yet his resolve remained firm. His confidence to stay the course and fight for freedom never wavered. Personally, I believe it is a miracle he was not assassinated. On April 20, 1964, Mandela and 10 other comrades on trial for sabotage, stood their ground. Faced with the death penalty Mandela uttered these words now known as the “Speech from the Dock:

“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Prison and Politics

On June 11, 1964, Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Denis Goldberg, Elias Motsoaledi and Andrew Mlangeni were all sentenced to life in prison. Denied the ability to attend the funeral of his mother in 1968, and his eldest son in 1969, Mandela still fought. Many visited him in prison. His passion to see freedom for all people continued. Mandela initiated talks for an ultimate meeting between the apartheid government and the ANC. He pushed through prostrate surgery, tuberculosis and rejected at least three conditional offers of release. Nine days after the ANC and the PAC was “unbanned” on February 11, 1990, Mandela was the last of his comrades to be released from prison.

Twenty-seven years in prison for wanting people to be free, Mandela immersed himself into talks to end the white minority rule. In 1991, he was elected the ANC President. In 1993, he and President FW de Klerk jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize. Mandela cast a vote for the first time in his life on April 27, 1994 and on May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first democratically elected, inaugurated Black President of South Africa.

“Nelson Mandela never wavered in his devotion to democracy, equality and learning. Despite terrible provocation, he never answered racism with racism. His life is an inspiration to all who are oppressed and deprived; and to all who are opposed to oppression and deprivation.” nelsonmandela.org

Regardless of where you are at in life remember, your circumstances do not define you. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Be The Change

This timeless and inspiring story transcends beyond Black History Month. A beautiful example and encouraging story of human triumph. Next time you feel like you’re not good enough, the mountain seems too big to climb, or you feel stuck in a bad situation. You are not alone. There are loads of people all over the globe finding ways to be the change they want to see. One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible is 2 Timothy 1:7, from the King James Version. Even if you are not a Christian these words are a powerful and a comforting reminder to combat fear.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~ The Apostle Paul

So maybe your ambition is not running for President. That is fine. Just remember the main point I am sharing here. Stand in confidence and believe you are capable. Stop letting fear hinder you. You will be surprised what you can do!

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#Be The Change | LeBaker

My daughter Zoey The White Lioness is a rock singer and keeps up a social media presence. However, she was telling me recently that sometimes it’s very discouraging to go on her social media, because she feels like she’s talking to the air or “playing to empty seats.” I tell her to just keep going! What is a challenge today may be a different challenge two years down the line, but that doesn’t mean she needs to stop! It’s Worth Doing

Keep Going

In this life we may encounter frustration and even jealousy as we see others prospering and we remain stagnant. First of all when we get like this we can always research what that person is doing to get a bigger following. However the bigger picture is that we have to keep going. When it seems like no one is there and the only people liking our music is Uncle-what’s-his-name. At least that is something! 

Hard Work

In a world where satisfaction is instant, expecting a career to be “instant” is unrealistic. It takes work, self-discpiline, personal growth & development and leadership. Even those that burst on the scene as a seemingly “overnight sensation” had to start somewhere. For most people it takes a lot of hard work, we cannot expect a hand out just because we have a vision! True leaders, CEO’s, and insriring visionaries started from nothing and created something amazing! I’m not saying you need to reinvent the wheel I am asking are you willing to put in the hard work? Are you willing to make the necessary sacrifices?

It Takes Time

As the old saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day.” Tree’s do not grow tall overnight. Seeds take time and nuturing to sprout and blossom! Remember to be patient with the process. Emjoy the journey for these is no other one like it. It’s your journey! Resist the urge to compare yourself to others, because you don’t know what they went through or what they gave up to get where they are. You may not be ready for the next big step, but instead of completely stopping, take baby steps and see where it takes you! It’s Worth doing! If you stop right now what will your business look like in five years compared to if you keep going?