Most people have heard of the 12 Days of Christmas song: “On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…” You know how it goes, right?

Most people also know that the 12 Days of Christmas are actually the days between Christmas and the Epiphany (Coming of the Magi or Wise Men).

As we approach Christmas Day here are 12 lessons for the 12 Days of Christmas:

1. On the First Day of Christmas the lesson is Servant Leadership because it is on this day that we celebrate the coming of the greatest Servant Leader of all time, Jesus Christ. He taught us that to lead we must become servants. Really all leadership should be servant leadership.
2. On the Second Day of Christmas the lesson is to always show Gratitude. Some people spend this day taking back gifts they don’t like, but it is a day to be thankful for all you have. It is a day to thank God for the gift of His son.
3. On the Third Day of Christmas the lesson is Hope. It has been said that a leader is a dealer in hope. A leader provides hope for their followers. There was great hope with the coming of Jesus and that hope is still here today for His second coming. The best way to provide hope is to believe in people and to build them up as leaders.
4. On the Fourth Day of Christmas the lesson is to never stop Learning. Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other (JFK). As a leader, you must commit to your own personal growth and that means learning as much as you can. What are the last three books you have read? If you cannot answer this question, you are not committed to learning. Stay tuned to this blog as I will release the entire list of books I read in 2015.
5. On the Fifth Day of Christmas the lesson is Commitment. Are you committed to being a leader? How often do you “commit” to something just to blow it off? The definition of commitment is “it is done.” That means that you are not truly committed until it is finished. Jesus Christ was so committed that he uttered the words “it is finished” before dying on a cross.
6. On the Sixth Day of Christmas the lesson is Love. The whole season of Christmas is about being surrounded by those you love. It is about family and friends. Love wins, love always wins (Mitch Albom). In life, remember that all you really need is love. Be sure to tell the people you love that you love them this Christmas and every day.
7. On the Seventh Day of Christmas the lesson is on Looking Back. Leaders look back before they look forward. It is important to remember our past because if you don’t you are doomed to repeat it. When looking at the next year first look back on the last year and then look forward to the next one.
8. On the Eighth Day of Christmas the lesson is to Clarify your Goals. Do not set resolutions! Those are not goals. If your goal is not written and it does not have a target day, it is not a goal! For 2016 write down the goals that matter most to you and then take action on them. This will help make it your best year ever.
9. On the Ninth Day of Christmas the lesson is to Slow Down. Turn off the cruise control button. Don’t fast forward through life. Slow down and enjoy all of the amazing blessings you have. You cannot truly appreciate life without slowing down. You also cannot look back and you cannot accomplish the goals that matter without first slowing down.
10. On the Tenth Day of Christmas the lesson is on Compassion. Remember that we should serve out of compassion, not out of duty. That is what leaders do. How will you compassionately serve others this new year? Hopefully you set compassionate goals that help make the world a better place.
11. On the Eleventh Day of Christmas the lesson is to Keep it Simple. We too often over-complicate things. Leaders should see it big, but keep it simple. Leaders strive for excellence not perfection. In 2016, simplify your life and you will be much happier.
12. On the Twelfth Day of Christmas the lesson is on Gifts. It is on this day that we remember the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus. What gifts have you been given? These are your talents and abilities. You should use these gifts to serve God and to serve others.

Those are my 12 lessons for the 12 Days of Christmas. Think about them during these 12 days. Make the choice to Lead and to Make a Difference in 2016. Decide to Be the Boss of Your Life in 2016 and beyond.

And most importantly, remember the true meaning of Christmas: “For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:5