Everyone wants to be a leader! You see it online, on social media, in books, EVERYWHERE! Let me ask you the most powerful question you’ll ever be asked as a leader. Who is the toughest, yet most important person you lead? I bet you had all kinds of names and faces, maybe even events, that awaken your memory, ha? I know that I did when I first asked myself that question.
The toughest follower you’ll ever have is YOU! Yes, YOU, yourself. You see, whenever there’s a follower/leader relationship with another person, there’s more of a chance for practicing accountability. I didn’t say that there’s more accountability, but that there’s a higher possibility. Most of us will, at least, consider the consequences of not living up to a promise we’ve made to someone. But the consequences of not living up to a promise we’ve made to ourselves are seemingly excusable. I know, I’m an expert! I’m so good at excusing myself when I choose not to do something I said that I would do, that I have each excuse numbered. I’m not gonna workout today because...number four! The next day, it’s number twenty! But if I told my Accountability Partner that I’d be there at seven tomorrow, chances are I will. I make not like it, but I will. Speaking of will, that’s what it takes to be accountable to ourselves, willpower.
Let’s assume that you agree with me. How can you change yourself to fix yourself? I’m convinced that self-leadership begins with knowing what’s really important to you, your values. We always do what we think is important at the moment. Always! Make some time, or discuss your values with your Accountability Partner, and make some commitments to living by what’s most important to you daily. Your commitment to your values will drive you to discover your purpose. Once you realize why you do what you do and that it’s your purpose for your life, it will drive you. Envision what accomplishing that purpose looks and feels like. “YES! That's me!” will be your motivation. And consider how you influence others as you practice being your true self. Be careful not to let factors influence you away from your purpose, though.
Like everything in our lives, the more we practice leading ourselves, the better we’ll become at it. I’ve always said that if you can see it, you can be it. But ya gotta do the work! This is the work.
You want to be a good leader? Lead yourself first!
Be GREAT! You ARE! HEIRPOWER!
bob vásquez!
