Life is meant to be lived to the full. Let’s explore more about how to step into your potential! Press on, take ownership and become a courageous leader today.
If you didn’t catch Part 1 of this article series, I encourage you to go back and start there. The ideas I flesh out in this article make enough sense on their own, but I think you will really benefit from reading the foundations they were built upon in the first post.
That being said, I’m glad to have you joining me on this journey. Here are more of the key concepts that have shaped my mindset the most around the topics of self-mastery and leadership.
Cheers!
It’s Time to Press Through
Here’s a thought to ponder; You can’t shortcut growth by avoiding the uncomfortable.
Everyone isn’t a leader. Many do not want to face the challenges and discomfort that the role of a leader entails. When I think of the role of President of the United States, for instance, I can’t tell you how many people I’ve met who say they would avoid that job no matter what pay was offered to them for it. This is not to say that these people weren’t talented, hardworking, or that they were too risk averse. Nevertheless, they knew that the responsibilities and scrutiny that come along with being President of the United States was never going to be congruent with the sort of life they wanted to lead.
No one becomes the leader of the free world if they don’t intensely desire it. One must be courageous and willing to take on all the scrutiny and responsibilities that the job entails. Similarly you cannot become a quality leader in any capacity if you don’t think your personal sacrifices are worth a greater good.
In the end, leaders need a track record of consistently dealing with the uncomfortable. This doesn’t necessarily mean doing any and everything that makes them uncomfortable, purely for the sake of leaving their comfort zones. For instance, some people want to jump out of an airplane to skydive just because they’re afraid of it. While this can indeed help you grow theoretically, it is the byproduct of these challenging activities that leaders really need to harness. The real goal is to tenaciously take action in the face of imitating fears and uncertainties.
The point is to build a history of successfully dealing with insurmountable odds. Slay your lion and bear before you address Goliath, so to speak. These smaller victories will serve as momentum to propel you forward further.
To many, this entire process may sound like it’s hardly worth any benefit. Facing real discomfort allows you to unlock the fullness of life though, actualizing your maximum potential. That is something that is always well worth the cost. When you keep pushing your boundaries, you realize most of those boundaries were needless, self-imposed limits that were hindering your ability to live a full life.
Be the Role Model
Avoiding shortcuts to growth isn’t just something that leaders practice. It’s also something that they help their followers to practice consistently as well. True leaders will want what’s best for everyone around them, including the challenges. This desire for the common good is what gives them the ability to lead in the first place.
So, make a habit of facing resistance. Get uncomfortable. Push through. Then, watch how it inspires those you are carving the path for.
Are You Looking to Be Led?
As always, thank you all for hearing me out as I process my thoughts on these vital subjects. Never hesitate to reach out to me via email if you are looking to flesh these ideas out more, to apply them in the unique context you are leading and growing within.
Great leaders know how to be led themselves, even by other leaders. We all need outside input. I’m happy to speak into your situation anytime I have the privilege to come alongside you!
Carpe diem,
A.P.