To a child born in the mid-Seventies, Evel Knievel was an icon.
He was the first true daredevil and stunt performer to capture the attention and imagination of the America of my youth. In his career he attempted more than 75 rap-to-ramp jumps on motorcycles and entered The Guinness Book of World Records for “most bones broken in a lifetime” with a total of 433. To some, he was a real-life superhero. To most, he was an absolute nutcase.
I believe our world today is in need of daredevils.
Fortunately, our culture is evolving to realize that the most compelling leaders in the world today are those who bring specific attributes, mindsets, and actions to life. The best leaders follow their core values and live them out with action.
One of the most requested topics I speak to groups about is a model for leadership in the 21st century and seven key attributes for leaders of today. It’s fun to flip the traditional model of leadership on its head and dive into what it means to be these things:
- Servant Leader
- Storyteller
- Collaborator
- Innovator
- Daredevil
- Adaptor
- Global Citizen
But today, I’m calling out the Daredevils. Because we need more of them. Not reckless daredevil who puts himself or others in danger, but a daredevil who lives with a deeply courageous spirit—one not afraid to challenge the status quo.
Our fears, doubts, and security have a funny way of imprisoning us. Anything that might move us out of our comfort zone gets put on the back burner. We’ll deal with it later, we say.
But the words of the poet Eugene Ware ring in my ears: “All glory comes from daring to begin.”
You don’t need to break bones. You just need to start your engine.
Travel Gracefully,
Jason
Jason Barger is the globally celebrated author of Step Back from the Baggage Claim, ReMember, and the newly released book Thermostat Cultures, as well as a coveted keynote speaker and leadership consultant. More importantly, he’s striving to be an above average father, husband, and friend.
Follow on Twitter @JasonVBarger and learn more at JasonVBarger.com
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