Hey Fellas,

Let’s change the beat today. We’ve talked about leading teams and managing projects, but how often do we chat about leading the most important ‘team member’ of all – ourselves? That’s right. I’m talking about self-leadership.

Self-leadership – it’s a term that doesn’t get tossed around the barbeque pit or the baseball field often. But it should. It’s the secret sauce to personal success, whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, running your own business, or trying to be the best dad, partner, or friend you can be.

Let’s cut to the chase, and I’ll share some hard-earned wisdom from my own journey of self-leadership.

Just like a ship needs a destination to navigate, you need personal goals to guide your path. They could be related to your career, your health, your relationships – the key is that they’re truly yours. Don’t set goals based on what you think you ‘should’ do or what others expect of you. Your goals should stir up passion and motivation within you.

Holding yourself accountable is where the rubber meets the road. Self-leadership means holding yourself accountable for your actions and decisions. It means showing up, even when it’s tough, and staying committed to your goals. Remember, you’re the boss of you.

Stay focused and learn. The world is your classroom. Whether it’s reading, taking courses, attending seminars, or learning from mentors, never stop expanding your knowledge. Invest time and energy in learning new skills, understanding different perspectives, and expanding your mind.

Our mind can be our biggest ally or our worst enemy. A positive, resilient mindset can propel you towards your goals, while a negative, defeated one can hinder your progress. Practice mindfulness, cultivate positive thinking, and don’t be afraid to seek help if you’re struggling with maintaining a healthy mindset.

Take care of yourself. Just like you wouldn’t expect a car to run without fuel, don’t expect to lead yourself effectively without taking care of your physical health. Eat well, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, and make time for relaxation and fun. Your body is the vehicle that carries you towards your goals, so treat it with respect.

Understanding and managing your emotions is a crucial part of self-leadership. Learn to recognize your emotions, understand what triggers them, and develop strategies to manage them effectively. Emotions are powerful indicators of what’s working and what’s not in your life, so don’t ignore them.

Leading oneself isn’t about being perfect. It’s about recognizing that you’re the captain of your ship and taking responsibility for steering it in the direction you want to go. It’s about falling, getting back up, learning, and growing.

It’s a journey, not a destination.