There’s a fundamental question we must ask ourselves: What is it that I do not know but need to know?

The first sign of intelligence is to admit that we do not know something. Not having all the answers makes us human. But not taking the time to explore and uncover the right questions is a disservice to ourselves and to those we admire, value, and love.

As we practice self-leadership, we foster self-care, self-awareness, authenticity, vulnerability, and trust in our direction within our environment. We must take full accountability for actions while rising to new levels of mindfulness that creates buy-in and stay-in.

Life-changing leaders and positive difference-makers do not produce more followers – they nurture, equip, and empower the next wave of positive change agents. That is why it is pivotal in our daily activities and conversations, not just to release statements but to publish messages. There is a difference between a statement and a message. Messages tell a story that emotionally resonates with the listeners and the audience. Messages are a commitment to the words that inspire self-discovery and collective growth.

If there was ever a time to move beyond small talk and fake dialogue toward real daily conversations, it’s now. Too often, we spend more time talking and interacting with our phones than we do genuinely connecting with another human being. We must have more authentic and meaningful discussions, not on what is most comfortable but on what is right.

Here are four ideas to begin acknowledging what it is that we do not know but need to know:

1. Attempt to see things through the eyes of others. Empathy is the worthiest tool of all.
2. Move beyond surface-level thinking into deep thinking. Deep thinking might not always feel comfortable, but is vital for real growth to transpire.
3. Prioritize learning moments in everything that you do. If you are not learning, you are not growing. If you are not growing, you are not living.
4. Focus your attention on active listening and listening to learn.

As long as we are living, alive, in tune with the world around us, we get another precious opportunity to be and do better. When we focus on unlearning to re-learn with a growth mindset, life becomes less about status, money, and materials and more about continuously improving who we are, how we live, how we serve, and how we relate to ourselves and the world around us.

Be you, be unique, and remember – I’m here, learning along with you.

-Brian Nadon

www.VaticFoundation.com