Self-leadership is an area of passion and growth that’s hard for me to talk about because I have many regrets about habits and lack of discipline many years ago.
I want to be careful, too, because I’m still growing in this as well. The goal is not to be perfect. God is the one doing the perfecting. Instead, the goal is to continue growing and find God’s grace in the challenges we face in the areas we’re trying to grow.
Take Note.
While reading scripture, books, articles, emails, or even my journal entries for many years, I have habitually identified the brief section that just leaps off the page.
It’s that part that you want to highlight, underline, circle, or star.
For years and years in my reading, I would do this, but I needed to take the step of collecting those. Fifteen years ago, give or take, I decided to put these ‘jumpers’ somewhere to be reviewed later.
I’ve used a lot of different tools through the years. It started with just notebooks. I had a collection of quotes that I was just writing. I wrote out the whole thing in my journal, so to speak, and had a notebook just for that. Now I use Apple Notes on my phone because it’s easy and convenient.
It’s just one long note I’m constantly adding to and refining. I select some that I’m going to focus on in each season.
Collect as You Discover.
Our reactions to the scriptures, words, and wisdom change depending on our circumstances and personal growth.
I have long collections of quotes.
In my prayer and journaling time, I review these and constantly have an active collection, a shorter list of things in an Apple note. This becomes the thing that I review three times a day.
I have reminders for first thing in the morning and at bedtime, and one for midday.
I whisper the note aloud to myself. It sets my day, gets it back on track if needed, and refreshes my mind as I sleep.
You’ll be shocked at the way it changes your subconscious thinking. You’ll wake up with different thoughts in your mind. It’s just one of the most powerful things that I have ever learned in my life. Wish I had known about it a long time before.
Know How and ‘In What’ You’re Growing.
“How do I grow, and what am I trying to grow in?”
First, deciding what you want to focus on growing in is a great way to start. Keep that to a shortlist. Let’s say no more than three to five things. You might just want to pick one and read on that one thing; too many people are scattered in their learning.
Pick a topic, read five books on it, and read everything you can find on it.
Pick the areas you’re trying to grow, and do a deep dive.
Number two, form an advisory group with three to five people around you. Ask them to invest time in you and help you grow.
You’re grappling with questions about how to grow, get better, be more impactful, and face leadership challenges in today’s culture.
Meet with them four times a year, at most six times a year, where you set the agenda, bring them an update, and bring them the big questions you’re grappling with. Simply allow them to invest in you.
A lot of people think, “No one would do that.” I’ve benefited from that all my adult life. Starting at age 20, I’ve had groups of people investing in me in this way, and I’ve been amazed at the caliber of people that God has brought around me who are willing to do that. It is not deserved or earned. It’s just a grace of God through other people.
It all begins with YOU taking action! I would love to come alongside you and encourage you on your self leadership journey! Let’s dive deeper and connect personally via text.