The Wizard of Leadership 

by Coach Frank Sagasta August 29th, 2024 

Have you ever watched a film that reflected back to a concept you wish you knew more of today? 

I am truly confident that most of you, grew up watching one of America’s favorite films; “The Wizard of Oz.”  I know for certain that we still watch this film during the holidays.  In fact, I have incredible memories of being glued to the television, acting like it was the first time we had ever watched a movie as a kid and as a parent.  All my kid grow up watching this film and own their own copy.  Why?  Because it is a classic with deeper meaning and a concept (Leadership) that I am truly passionate about today.    

In fact, this film was so meaningful that Hollywood has made four or five different styles of the film.  As an adult, parent, and professional.  I see that the film (The Wizard of Oz) sends a vivid message of what it takes to be an effective, authentic, and quality leader in all areas of the marketplace.  

How?  

Well, let's ALL observe two of the first characters within the film.  Dorothy and The Scarecrow.

Dorothy

Direction For Today

DIRECTION FOR TODAY

By Coach Frank Sagasta, 2024

It’s a necessity and priority for us to have balance and restoration.  Why...

In the busyness of our modern life today, I fear we have lost all rhythm of understanding.  I fear we have lost the rhythm between activity and harmony.  I fear we have lost our vision because of distraction and the lack of action.  

All too often we hear people say I am busy or they pretend to be busy.  It is almost comical when people express or share this universal expression. “I am so busy.”  They are expressing that they want a badge of honor, as if sweat deserves a trophy for exhaustion or bodies.  Our ability to withstand 80, and 90 hours is a mark of real character.  So, as long as it is in the passion, purpose, or plan that God Almighty wrote down for you.  Otherwise, our busyness can be a waste of life.  

Be a “Busy bee.”  Whatever that means!  I am convinced that we have deceived ourselves that the busier we are, the more we are accomplishing, and the more important we must be in the eyes of those around us.  But is it really so?  Does more activity really mean more accomplishment?  Does more activity really mean that you are successful?  To not be available for family or friends, to miss the sunset and the illustrious array of stars in the twilight of the morning.  Does more activity really mean that we are missing out on our obligations of life — to take deep breaths, to take in from hearing, and to use our other senses?  I’m afraid that this has become the model of a successful life.  I’m afraid there is no turning back.  

Instead of becoming more, we are just doing more — instead of becoming more, we are consuming more — instead of becoming more, we are distracted more.  We have lost values.  We have lost our vision and mission for purpose.  Based on our busyness with fillings rather than values, morals, principles, purpose, and planned priorities.  I guess it’s best to ask the question.  Are you making time for your health?  Are you making time for peace and tranquility?  Are you making time for wisdom, creativity, and contentment?  Are you making time for learning and shared wisdom?  Are you making time for memories with family and all of life's treasures?  

I challenge you to take a walk, give, thanks for the simple things, and realize how blessed you truly are in this moment.  I challenge you to take a bath with music and candles.  I challenge you to spend 10 to 15 minutes in absolute silence, turn off the cell phone, television, and computer — carve out time for restoration.  In the hustle and bustle of today's world, taking care of our mental well-being has become increasingly important.  Just as we care for our physical health or spiritual health, it's essential to prioritize our mental health through self-restoration and self-care practices.  The idea of self-restoration, self-care, and self-analization can differ from person to person, but the concept of self-restoration involves intentionally engaging in activities and practices that replenish and rejuvenate your mental, emotional, and physical energy.  It is a proactive approach to mental well-being, focusing on prevention rather than reaction.  Self-restoration allows you to better handle challenges, reduce burnout, and enhance your overall quality of life.

I have had the wonderful opportunity, luxury, and blessing of spending my summers with students here in Arizona.  Recently, we were up in the mountains and we had a slightly violent storm come through.  I am a traditional camper, which means that I use tents with sleeping bags.  So, we spent a few hours in our separate tents.  We talked through the forest and some played games in their tents.  When the storm passed, we hiked.  When the storm passed, we found a convenient time to play hide and seek in the dark using flashlights.  There is no such thing as busyness when you’re taking a pause to enjoy the environment and company of those around you.  Never allow yourself to get so busy that you miss out on the opportunity of all life has to offer.  

The last two questions: Have you been able to find the work that provides a balance of “being your authentic self” or “are you too busy doing?"  

With Gratitude, 

Coach Frank Sagasta

Leadership & Professional Skills Instructor 

H.O.P.E. LLC,  

MORE SUCCESSFUL

 

More Successful 

By Coach Frank Sagasta 

August 

Have you ever decided to be more successful than you were yesterday?  Are you going through this life journey aimlessly without a clear and laser focus of purpose or direction? 

Helen Keller once said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”

Thomas Edison was a distinctive child at an early age.  He attended school for only three months with the teachers (professionals) labeling him as “Too stupid to learn anything,” this was possible because of his early hearing impairment.  His mother removed him from the school and decided to homeschool him.  She encouraged him to read and think outside the box.  He would soon develop a greater interest in science, especially chemistry.  By the age of 10, he created a small lab in the basement of their home.  At the age of 20, Thomas Edison would set up and make a laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey where he would spend most of his time as an inventor.  

Within two years, he had 40 different projects going on and was applying for over 400 patents a year.  Thomas said, he was often ridiculed and other labels were placed on him, but they never stopped him from creating and demonstrating the first working lightbulb.  During an interview a reporter asked, “How did you feel to fail 1000 times?’  Thomas Edison replied, “ I didn’t fail 1000 times.  The lightbulb was an invention with 10,000 steps.”  Just because someone else can’t see your vision doesn’t mean that your vision doesn’t exist.  

We all too often, have someone come through life that makes change seem almost impossible.  But as life learners, we understand the challenges.  Many times the years go by and I hear people regret that they did not start something earlier.  I think to myself that there are so many books published that have so many secrets, strategies, and stories to share that can transform our world.  In fact, there is a recently published book titled “Five Frogs on the Log.”  The essential of this book is five frogs were sitting on a log.  Four decided to jump off.  How many were left and it goes on to suggest that there were still five frogs on the log.  There is a difference between deciding and doing.  

“How wonderful it is that nobody needs weight a single moment before starting to improve the world.”  ~  Anne Frank 

There is no greater time than to set a goal for the rest of the year.  No matter when you are reading us now is a great time.  There is something majestic or magical that happens when you clearly decide to begin to just do.  Just clarifying where you want to be in 3 to 5 years.  Then start the process start fulfilling that reality.  What an exciting way to start tomorrow the rest of this month and the rest of this year.  There is so much considerable at events to indicate that expectations of your future do, in fact, tend to create a future.  

What are three things you want to accomplish this week?  

Remember the story of the five frogs on the log and the story of Thomas Edison.  To be more successful there may be 10,000 steps that you’ll have to take action towards.  Just step up by faith and do it daily.  Never let the labels or options of other people become your reality.  

By Coach Frank Sagasta

Leadership and Professional Skills Instructor  

H.O.P.E Solutions LLC,