Lately, I’ve been traveling and meeting with a variety of community leaders and organizations across rural Iowa and it’s been eye-opening. One thing has become crystal clear: there’s a stark difference between those who believe they can and those who default to “we can’t” for a million different reasons. The contrast is not in access, size, or budget. It’s in mindset.
In a culture where it’s become all too common to quickly complain, call out what’s wrong, and dwell on what we don’t have, it’s easy to miss the good that’s right in front of us. But I was always taught that Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. And wow, does that ever ring true in today’s world. When you change your attitude, you change your voice. When you change your voice, you change your mindset. And when you change your mindset, you shift the entire trajectory of your life, and potentially your community too.
This reminder hit me even harder recently when I read a post from a Mandela Fellow who visited my hometown of Manning, Iowa. His reflections were powerful and humbling. To paraphrase: He was struck by the ambition, the mindset, and the opportunity-driven focus he saw in Americans. He talked about how we dream in bold letters. How we’re not afraid to ask…again and again. How we show up, even when it’s hard. And how leadership is rooted in service, not ego.
Here are just a few truths he shared that I keep coming back to:
- True leadership makes the world better – it leaves a useful trail behind.
- Your network is your net worth – invest in relationships, not just skillsets.
- Show up, even when it’s hard – consistency is greater than perfection.
- Confidence is built, not born – keep practicing until you shine.
- Dream boldly and ask unapologetically – courage is often rewarded.
- Serve to lead – the most respected leaders are the ones lifting others up.
Reading his words made me realize something many of us forget: the very things we take for granted – freedom, opportunity, faith, ambition – are the very things others marvel at when they visit. We waste energy fighting battles that aren’t worth it or staying stuck in negativity when we have the tools, talent, and support to move forward.
Here’s the question I want to leave with you today:
What are you grateful for that you might be overlooking?
What does your community, employer, home, or family offer that you can’t find elsewhere? What strengths do you have that someone else might envy? And most importantly, how can you use that to serve others?
If you’re feeling stuck, maybe it’s time to emerge from the comfort of your shell. Visit a neighboring town, take a walk through a different neighborhood, or even strike up a conversation with someone outside your usual circle. Sometimes, perspective changes everything. Seeing how others “get by” or even thrive…not because of wealth or luck, but because of attitude and service…can shift your entire outlook.
And there’s one more thing I’d add to the Mandela Fellow’s list: an unwavering faith.
I believe we’re not here to do this world alone. We were each given unique talents and a higher calling, to make a difference not just for ourselves, but for those around us. That difference doesn’t have to be massive. It just has to be intentional.
So today, I challenge you to reflect:
- Can you change your mindset?
- Can you change your voice?
- Can you believe, truly believe, in what’s possible in the world around you?
And if you’ve seen this mindset at work (in your own life or in someone else) we’d love to hear your story. Drop us a message. Let’s share the light and multiply the hope.
Because the world won’t change without you. But with your mindset, your voice, and your faith, it just might.
