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How often do you hear people complaining about politicians, bosses, and other people in positions of authority?  Immediately following the complaint, they will often say

"Someone should do something about this."

It isn't about waiting for someone else to do something – it is about each of us being what we want to see in the world.  This is true for all of us regardless of what we are now doing.

As Gandhi said, we have to be the change we want to see in the world.

The easy and pointless way is to sit and complain about events, people and things.  This is particularly true for heads of corporations.  Think about what you want to see in your employees and then be that first.  If you desire your employees to be honest, reliable, committed and responsible; then look at yourself and see what you are doing.  Look for where you can improve and watch what happens.

Dale Carnegie is one of my heroes.  In his Little Golden Book, he wrote:  "Don't complain, condemn or criticize."  This is excellent advice and the opposite of what most do.  Try this for a week – even just 48 hours.  Each time you hear yourself starting to complain, condemn or criticize someone or something, stop and look at your own actions and see where you can immediately start being what you want to see in the outside world.

It isn't up to someone else, it is up to you.

If you think you aren't appreciated for your work, don't complain.  Instead look at whether you appreciate your company, your employer, your boss and your job.  If you aren't showing and giving appreciation, you won't be receiving it either.

Do your work to the absolute best of your ability.   Each day challenge yourself to doing greater and better work while appreciate your efforts and successes.  As you do this, greater, better and more fulfilling work with better pay will find you.  It doesn't happen the other way around.  You rise up as you become better and too big for what you do right now.

Where you are right now in life is due to you – and so is your future.

Don't look around and see others that aren't pulling their weight and say, "Why should I do my best when others don't?"  That will keep you trapped in an endless, losing cycle.  The people that achieve greatness do so because their focus is on themselves, striving for excellence and doing the actions that will create the life they want to lead.

One (late) great leader that I admire is Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics.  She often said that during her first year of sales that she was unsuccessful and actually ready to give up.  Then she went to her employer's national sales meeting.  There she saw a tall, svelte, pretty, successful woman crowned as the queen as a reward for being the best in a company sales contest.

Mary Kay decided right then and there that she was going to be the queen next year.  And she went forward and achieved that title.  How did she do it?  Here's her formula that she practiced and preached throughout her life and you can use to create your image as a leader.

First, you must start with the belief that you are an excellent person, a great leader that deserves success.  Then do these suggested exercises each day to help you create the image of excellence and begin to create an atmosphere of success in your life.

Imagine Yourself As A Successful Leader:  Always picture yourself as successful.  Visualize the person you desire to become.  Set aside at least 10 minutes each day to be alone and undisturbed, while you get into a comfortable, relaxed position.  Close your eyes and concentrate on your desires and goals.  See yourself in this new environment, capable and self-confident.  Look for greatness in yourself and others.  In your free time, study the great ones and emulate the traits that you admire.

Reflect on Your Past Successes:  Every success, be it large or small, is proof that you are capable of achieving more success.  Celebrate and congratulate yourself for each success.  Recall these successes when you being to lose faith in yourself.  Look for opportunities to show your leadership attributes.  Start by giving yourself an order and then following it.  One must be able to lead oneself before leading another individual, group or organization

Set Definite Goals:  Clearly definite what you want to achieve.  Start making a plan no matter how simple it is and start taking action steps.  Your current results are unimportant – just focus on what you want to achieve in the future.  Be aware when you begin to deviate from your goal and take immediate corrective action.

Respond Positively To Life:  Develop a positive self-image.  Your image, your reactions to life and your decisions are completely within your control.  Eliminate any negative talk and look for the good in everything.  As you do this, you will find more and more good every day.

The world is changing rapidly and there is a need for great leaders in all facets of life.  Being the leader that you want to see in the world starts with a series of small, successful actions.