Get ready to RECLAIM Your Future Now!

It’s no secret that many who are leaders don’t regard themselves as such.
Merriam-Webster defines a leader as:

 “A person who has commanding authority or influence.”

Influence is: “affecting or changing someone or something in an indirect, but usually important way.”

As a certified Leadership Reinvention Strategist and published author, I’ve encountered some who don’t recognize they’re leaders. Leadership originates in the mindset of a person who inspires, influences, and cares about others.

A few ways to determine if you’re a leader:

1. You’re skilled at seeing what’s invisible to others.

2. You see challenges, obstacles, and struggles as opportunities to grow.

3. You’re optimistic and can make the impossible possible.

4. You tend to remain calm in chaos.

5. You do things with integrity.

6. You honor your well-being.

7. You seek to find purpose.

8. You’re consistent, and people trust you.

People often underestimate the power of effective leadership, which is present at all levels of society. Learning to see challenges as opportunities can be the mindset shift that places you in a position to soar. It begins with self-awareness, a trait that leaders cultivate through the years.

The more you practice, the easier it can be to embrace the journeys of life.

Questions to ask yourself:

·   How do you cultivate your self-awareness?

·  How do you adapt when challenges arise?

·  How do you determine when pivoting is appropriate?

·  Generally, how are you; emotionally and energetically?

Some of the most inspirational leaders are parents, teachers, clergy, athletic coaches, choir directors, mentors, writers, and more. Not all leaders are born with these traits. You can learn to be a leader. Not all leaders are the smartest in the room. In fact, many of them didn’t perform well in school.

Leaders are not invincible, and they’re not perfect. It’s important to remember that each new day provides opportunities to improve.

Let’s talk about transparency.

Effective leaders are authentic. No one gets everything right all the time. Asking for forgiveness or apologizing is a strength. Doing so helps create stronger relationships.

While you and I are being transparent, I’ll share. . .

There were a couple of decades during my early years when I was an introvert. I wasn’t a follower. I was self-motivated and secure in myself. I recognized my introverted tendencies during my first corporate job, two years after college, as a Station Editor for TV Guide Magazine. I was twenty-four, and everyone in the department was between 35-55. Not only was I the youngest, but I was also the only Black person. I was also the only person with a college degree.

I’m competitive, a skill that was born through several years as a sprinter, hurdler, and high and long jumper from elementary to high school. Though I was quiet, I was determined to succeed. It’s in my DNA.

I was also determined to continuously advance my career. To do that, I challenged myself to use my voice. The more I did, the easier it became. I refused to be invisible.

Take a moment right now, to reflect. Begin to declare that you can lead the direction of your future despite the personal challenges you’ve endured. It takes time and effort to become comfortable with it. Repeat this to yourself as often as needed until you fully embrace the concept.

You are wise. You have strengths. You are valuable! Begin to believe in yourself and your abilities.

Begin to create new habits to increase your ability to lead yourself.

No one is exempt from injury, illness, grief, divorce, empty nesting, caregiving, and more. Rather than turning away from the unknown variables of life, I want you to turn toward reality. Embrace your life as it is. Minimize avoidance and maximize your willingness to explore options. If you don’t like how your life looks and feels, be willing to do the work it’ll take to create what you desire. Change your thinking so that you no longer tell yourself what you can’t do. If your speed is slow and steady, aim to stay on course. Incremental growth leads to lasting change.

Think about how you start each day, immediately upon arising. Is what you do growth-oriented, or is it a barrier to your success?

 Here are a few morning habits I began a year and a half ago:

• I exercise 4-5 days each week, performing HIIT (high intensity interval training), which is inclusive of cardio, weightlifting, and exercises to tighten my core. If you are new to exercise, remember that some is better than none, after approval by your physician. Remember to stay hydrated!

• Immediately after exercising, while showering, I listen to faith filled music. Afterward, to usher in each new day, I sit with God to create an environment in which I can focus on gratitude, pray for myself and others, and seek guidance for the day.

• I then consume a low-calorie breakfast. I’ve recently added matcha tea with lemon.

OK…it’s your turn.

Write down how you'll elevate your self-awareness and leadership this week.

 Consider the following:

• Personal reflection: gratitude, faith, stating declarations that you create, rather than repeating someone else’s affirmations.

• Professional reflection: using a planner to note meetings and other priorities for your personal and professional lives. Evaluate how you spend your time over the course of a week. Is there anything missing? Are there areas where you unnecessarily spend too much unproductive time?

• Building and maintaining meaningful relationships with friends, family, colleagues: phone calls, planned outings, networking, etc.

• Fun: Are you scheduling time to have fun?? What does fun look and feel like to you?

I’m happy that many of my subscribers are finally realizing that I love to hear from you. You matter to me. Reach out to let me know your thoughts about this article. Also, please share it with your network.

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Licia Thompson, CPC, ELI-MP, Certified Leadership Reinvention Strategist, Work Comp College Humanities instructor. For more strategies as you grow forward, purchase my book “When Your Soul Whispers: Strategies for leaders   to redefine values and move forward after life’s transitions” sold at https://www.liciathompson.com/book

Email:  Licia@LiciaThompson.com   Website:  www.LiciaThompson.com                         

Instagram: @Licia_Thompson  Facebook: Licia Thompson, The Reinvention Strategist

LinkedIn: Licia Thompson, CPC, ELI-MP.

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