As an “AFSA Leader” who operates at the Chapter, Division, and International level, I frequently become bothered when others charged with leadership positions implement self-imposed limitations.  It seems, especially lately, that it is often becoming commonplace to discount creativity, motivation, and vision and in turn, embrace the status quo.  I often try to decipher this perceived disconnect, yet become boggled in my attempts to do so.  As I think about this, a short analogy by Seth Godin comes to mind and helps me put this dilemma into perspective.

 Godin states,

Recently I took a long hard look at where I have been, where I am, and where I want to be.  I quickly realized that this was not a journey I had walked alone, nor was I close to being complete.   My leadership path had been strewn with rocks, potholes, and obstacles that quite certainly could have put me off my chosen path towards success.  However, thanks to some great and inspirational leaders, I am now in a position to create change, inspire, and breed creativity.

I am certain that you can explore a host of leadership books and inspirational media that will attempt to motivate you towards success.  If this works for you--GREAT!  If not, I encourage you to simply open your eyes and examine your surroundings.  Specifically, see the “forest of wisdom” all around you instead of a single “tree”.

About a year ago, I watched a phenomenal movie called “The Bucket List”.  In this movie, two ageing friends made a list of things they wanted to do before they die.  Although the thought of our own mortality may leave some with an uneasy feeling, the basic premise of the movie was simple; to “Do what we can, While we can”, before it is too late.

For the past several weeks, I have been spreading the alarming news that membership across AFSA worldwide has declined to less than 100,000.  Fortunately, scores of motivated, dedicated, and committed members drafted their own respective “Bucket Lists” and realized that they must take action NOW, before it was in fact, too late!  The staunch efforts of these recruiters and retainers have not gone unnoticed.  The numbers have started to reverse thanks to the planning and execution of these driven members but we still have work to do!

How many of you own a car that is older than 5 years old?  Ok, how many of you drive a car more than 10 years old?  Let us back that up even further: is that car 15, 20, 25 or even 30 plus years old?  Probably not many of us can say they would feel comfortable strapping the spouse and kids in a 30-year-old car and driving across the country.  Well, our Air Force operates aircraft 30, 35, 40 plus years old.  Our young maintainers and seasoned pilots work on and fly these aircraft in support of our nation’s mission every single day.  The cynic would say, “We can’t do that”!  However, we do!  We make this happen with limited resources, an ever-shrinking workforce, and a relatively small budget.  We make the seemingly impossible—possible!  How we do this?  It’s simple, through the commitment, dedication, and commitment of our American spirit!  The same can be true with AFSA recruiting.