It seems like a no brainer to say it's important to become a better self-leader. No one really argues that point. Many people, however, never really think about it until it's too late. By the time self-leadership gets into focus, the task seems intimidating and unachievable.
When I first started an intentional journey towards becoming a better self-leader, it was out of frustration and desperation. I had recently started a dream job that demanded that I lead two large team, and do it well. I was new to this level of responsibility and felt unprepared for the challenge.
I knew if I was going to lead my teams well, I needed to learn to lead me well. I consumed leadership books, one after another, and failed often along the way. Having clarity on where I was leading others mean finding clarity in where I was leading myself.
I still see myself as a student of self-leadership and I'm constantly looking for ways to grow. However, here are the three tips that were most helpful to be as I begun my journey.
Discover your wiring - You already have natural strengths that you can begin to build on. Use tools like personality tests and strengths finders to help you identify where you already have a running start. There's no need to start from scratch.
Embrace the journey - Remember that you're starting a journey, not a race. The goal is becoming a better self-leader than you were the day before, not to reach perfection. No one achieves perfection and everyone misses the mark pretty often. What makes the most difference is how often you can get back up and grow from every experience.
Plan for growth - Andy Stanley teaches that knowing better doesn't automatically lead to doing better. Meaning, we learn from evaluated experience, not just having a new experience. So write out what you will do to grow - read, get a mentor or coach, journal, etc.
You can grow as a self-leader from even the smallest daily experience. Becoming a better self-leader doesn't have to be daunting. Taking small steps in the right direction can make a big difference.
My free planner is designed to help you clarify your goals and evaluate daily, which produces micro growth. Small improvement from you every day experiences.
QUESTION: What's your greatest challenge in becoming a better self-leader?
In the comments below, let me know what your greatest challenge is in growing as better self-leader. What's that one thing, or few things, that seems to trip you up the most.
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