Many of us have been using the New Year to make goals and think about the future. We all have an idea of who we want to be in the future. We dream of the impact we are going to have on others. We would like to be creative, better leaders or more intentional. I often here 20-somethings tell me who they want to be when they are 30 or 40 years old. The truth is, who you are going to be in the future depends on what you do today. If you want to be a creative type in the future, spend time this afternoon being creative – set aside 30 minutes to think about how your programing can be more engaging and motivating. Think of ways to inspire others that have never been used before. If you want to be a better leader, offer to lead anything that’s available. The only way to be a better leader is to practice. If we think people are just going to come along and gives us a title of leader we are wrong. Whoever you want to be ten years from now, be that person this afternoon and I promise you that ten years from now you will be who you want to be.

While I am on the subject of the future you, let me add that whoever you want to be in the future must be rooted in good soil. Good soil is made up of:

1. Mentors
I know I have said this a hundred times but you need people in your life you can talk over new ideas with. You need people who will say, “wait a minute.” Without these folks there will be little growth in your life. If we could grow ourselves there would be a lot more giants in this world.

2. God’s word
You know all the good nutrients in God’s word but what you may not have considered is the preventive care in his word. God’s word also points out to us the sink holes in life. The places we should not be … the things that take up time and produce no fruit. Leaders in God’s word spend more time doing productive activities.

3. Deep relationships
Show me an effective long-term leader and I will show you a community of people who have been supporting him/her for a long-time. Leadership takes community. Live outside of community and you will not be effective. Leaders need teammates who can hold them accountable, challenge them to keep reaching for their vision. Leadership is too hard to do on your own.