The last 2 weeks have been extraordinary – extraordinarily challenging, exciting, exhilarating and humbling. There were 40 of us testing our comfort zones and taking on Level 2 experiences constantly on a daily basis as part of becoming certified Trainers. What became evident as we continued to stretch ourselves, make mistake after mistake, lose our place, forget our content or completely say the wrong thing, was the constant level of encouragement and championing, by those in the room. And as I reflect on the experience, I realised what a fantastic example it was of a Servant’s heart, and it got me thinking about its immense power. 

So what is a servant’s heart and how do you know if you have one? Well if you look through the history books and multiple religions, there is a common concept – treat others as you wish to be treated, and this is an excellent foundation. As you go about your business each day, how do you treat others? Are you one to open a door for someone else, do you smile at strangers as you walk down the street? When you buy your morning coffee, do you engage in a genuine & curious conversation with the barista, or do you simply hand over your loose change in silence and wait for the coffee to be poured? Do you actively seek out ways to assist others with tasks or projects, or do you sit back and only help if it requested? The true servant’s heart is about giving – giving and expecting nothing in return. A perfect example of this is Christmas; how good did it feel to give Christmas gifts to others, and watch them open those gifts? If you were like me, I got more joy out of watching others open gifts than I did opening my own. And that is what Servant’s Heart is all about.

Unfortunately most people don’t seem to understand this fundamental truth – they are too busy focussed on themselves and what they can get. They live their life completely in their head, think far too much about themselves and miss out on the wonderfully liberating experience of living from their heart. They don’t realise that if they were able to learn to move out of their head, and into their heart, that over 80% of their ‘problems’ would disappear instantly. This is staggering, and something that I encounter frequently, especially from clients who are not achieving the results they were hoping for. Now I’m not saying that by moving to a servant’s heart that everything is going to be rosy and you will become instantly successful – that would be irresponsible and incorrect. But I am saying that if you are able to operate from a servant’s heart, where you focus your attention on others, actively seek out opportunities where you can assist others, add value to others, donate time to others, perhaps even donate money to others, you will feel an incredible sense of joy and satisfaction, and the amazing thing is that the servitude will be reciprocated in ways you may least expect. You see, when it all boils down, your life is actually not about you – it is about others. Your life will be measured not by what you have achieved, but by what contribution you made, what difference did you make to others, that will be your legacy. And I know that if you operate from the Servant’s Heart, your contribution will be significant, and your legacy will live on for generations to come.

I think the following quote by one of my mentors sums up the Servant’s Heart beautifully, and is so powerful:

“If you place your focus on helping other people achieve their dreams, your dreams cannot help but be taken care of along the way”.

Operate from a Servant’s Heart. Look for opportunities to serve others; serve with volition and with ecology. And make a difference to other people’s lives. You will notice that your life takes on a whole new dimension, and that is a great thing!

To your continued success