How Do You Lead Yourself?

In today’s fast-paced world, self-leadership is essential for accelerating your career. Understanding the type of leader you want to be, how you want to show up, and becoming receptive to feedback will not only help you grow but also enable your team to thrive. Let’s dive into the core concepts of self-leadership and how you can implement them to push your career forward.

What Being a Leader Really Means

Leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it starts with leading yourself. True career growth stems from serving and giving to others. It’s not about telling people what to do, but rather showing them the way through your actions, creating a positive environment, and fostering a culture of growth and energy. If you notice your team’s inefficiencies, they might reflect the habits of leadership. Your mindset shapes the culture around you. The best part? You can change it anytime by leading yourself first.

How to Lead Yourself

Being a leader to yourself means taking ownership of your personal growth. It involves setting clear goals, making key decisions for your future, and cultivating habits aligned with your values. Below are 11 actionable steps to become a better leader and accelerate your career:

1. Set Clear & Achievable Goals

Your career goals should be big, bold, and audacious, but break them down into achievable short-term milestones. A good starting point is setting 90-day goals. SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, Time-based) will keep you on track and provide a clear direction.

2. Develop Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the foundation of growth. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses helps shape your leadership style. Personality profiles or feedback from trusted mentors and family can give you insights into areas where you need improvement and confirm where you already excel.

3. Take Initiative

No one will hand leadership to you; it’s something you have to take. Show your willingness to learn, grow, and push through challenges. Taking initiative means pushing through discomfort, seeking new skills, and striving for breakthroughs.

4. Practice Self-Discipline

Discipline is the key to mastering the small tasks that add up to big achievements. Whether it’s time management, personal organization, or self-care, the small habits you build extend into every area of leadership.

5. Develop a Learning Habit

Learning doesn’t stop after school. Leaders constantly update their skills, attend certifications, and stay informed about industry trends. Set aside time to read, attend conferences, or pursue further education to stay current.

6. Prioritize Your Well-Being

As a leader, you need to set an example by prioritizing your health. Make time for regular doctor’s visits, exercise, healthy eating, and stress management. A well-balanced leader leads a well-balanced team.

7. Set Clear Boundaries

Setting boundaries around work hours, personal time, and professional interactions ensures that you and your team maintain a healthy work-life balance. Demonstrate respect for your own limits, and your team will follow suit.

8. Ask for Feedback

Leaders improve by seeking regular feedback. Ask your team, mentors, or even family members where you can improve. Regular feedback keeps you grounded and aware of areas for improvement.

9. Stay Resilient

Resilience is essential to leadership. Emotional resilience and adaptability will help you recover quickly from setbacks. Learn to process feedback and hard situations in a way that helps you grow stronger.

10. Lead by Example

If you want something done, do it yourself first. Whether it’s adopting new systems, following policies, or cultivating habits, your team will mirror what you do. Be the leader you want your team to be.

11. Build the Team, Not Just the Task

As a leader, your priority should be developing the team, not just completing tasks. When you invest in the growth and development of your team, the outcomes will naturally follow.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a great leader starts with leading yourself. Prioritize your personal growth, model the behavior you want to see in others, and cultivate habits that align with your goals. The better you lead yourself, the more your team and career will benefit. If you need further guidance on leadership, feel free to reach out for additional resources and training. Embrace the journey of self-leadership and watch your career soar!