Leadership - A discussion of traits, characteristics, and current news of leaders.

Recently, I became hooked on the weekly TV show Flip That House.  For those of you who haven't seen it, the show highlights house "flippers."  These brave souls purchase homes dirt-cheap from auctions, go inside and renovate them, then sell them for a big profit.

It's not always that easy.  The show is fun because most of the properties are in horrible condition, full of mold, dirt, garbage, ants, roaches, fleas, and other disgusting surprises.  Operating on a limited budget, these entrepreneurs cut corners where they can and at the end, the house looks 100% different.

Personally, I'd be a little leery of most of these homes, knowing that some of the house flippers will "lipstick" the house, providing only cosmetic changes.  Others though do a more complete job, replacing foundational issues and putting real time and effort into them.  Now those houses would appeal to me.

Have you ever thought of doing a personal transformation?  We all consider this around January 1, but most of those turn out to be "lipstick" jobs.  I'm talking about a foundational, bottom-up turnaround.  Seeing how a house can transform inspires me to think about how good a personal "flipping" (with quality of course) would be.  Here are some suggested steps:

1. Clear out the clutter - Remove junk from your life: negativity, anger, substance abuse, excess weight, addictions, and apathy
2. Shore up the foundation - Put spirituality into (or back into) your life.  Rebuild and renew     relationships.
3. Paint and re-finish - Check out your appearance, institute better grooming and hygiene practices, experiment with  a new hairstyle, make-up, and wardrobe.
4. Replace old appliances - Build new educational, social, and relational skills.  Begin reading for one hour each day.
5. Put yourself on the Market - Ok, not in the literal sense, but get out and network.  Develop new relationships, friendships, and colleagues

This week, take a good look both inside yourself and in the mirror.  You have a wonderful project to work with.  All of us have room to grow and improve.  Let's make this week we get started on a makeover.