What does leadership mean to you? Can you see the leader within you? I invite you to consider this perspective: As individuals, we are always leading, whether it be ourselves, our families, or a team, toward a goal. Often, we are leading, and we don’t even know it. We are leading the way toward our future. Have you ever heard the line, “Best laid plans?” What about the quote by John Lennon, “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans?” Let’s face it: In life, whether it be your career or life as a whole, nothing is a linear path. Our meandering paths create and pave our life’s journey.
When I was younger, you may have thought I was a natural leader, my class or sorority president, an overachiever, competitive, etc. Many people assume this about me, but I was an emotional late bloomer when it came to outwardly expressing my thoughts with clarity. My leadership skills were unveiled more clearly through the trajectory of my career step by step in my corporate life. Why was this made so clear? One word. Experience. My experiences, some of which were quite uncomfortable, created my reality. The more I learned, the more empowered I felt as an expert in my field. The more accolades I received through my determination, dedication, and hard work, the more confident I became in pursuing more leadership roles. Life is a series of choices; we can step in or be left behind, and well, that wasn’t much of an option for me. There was always a competitor within. It was about empowering her. No risk = No gain.
I was shy (hard to believe) and often hid behind my mother's leg or waited for my older sister's instructions.
I didn’t want to be seen, and as the youngest child, I found it easy to take a back seat to others' opinions and not be heard. I have always wanted to be number two - whether that be in cheerleading, choir, sports, or work. I’m unsure if you know this about me, but I love singing and dancing. I mean, it’s super tricky, even at this age, to drag me off the stage or dance floor. I used to say I wanted to be a backup singer or dancer. Until my mid-20s when someone posed this question; “Why don’t you want to be the lead singer? “Everyone wants to be the lead?” I stopped and thought to myself, dumbfounded… “Um. Great question!” and something I needed to look a little deeper within myself.
Now bewildered by what I was just asked, I reflected - Is this a question of fear or leadership? Why don’t I want to lead? Is it because I am afraid to fail? Does it make me anxious? Is it because I want someone to share responsibilities with? The tools of meditation and breathwork sure would’ve been helpful back then! Breathe in and release. After all, collaboration is one of my greatest values. I pondered on this some more and realized they were right. Why would I settle for number two when I can be number one? Nothing was stopping me except FEAR.
We know that if you don’t take charge of life, life will take charge of you. People want to find more happiness, so we need to direct our lives through our daily choices. This is your WHY. Tune into the leader within. It’s your way back to alignment and fulfillment. This made me think, what does it even mean to lead?
Reflecting on my experience with how people received me and of my own leaders through the years, I defined vital attributes defining a good leader's core -
1) Develop a learning approach.
2) Empower those around you.
3) Reflection - Learn about yourself.
4) Sound decision making.
It’s time to be Number 1.
Put yourself first.
It can be scary, but what you learn is that every step unveils another piece of the puzzle that is yet to be. Or another page in your book that becomes a chapter, and with every chapter, we suddenly have our book written. And it’s no longer a dream; it’s your reality.
If you have worked with me as a coach, followed me on Instagram, or are a part of my MembHership community, then you know I believe everything is possible. Perhaps not all at once, and it comes with choice and contingencies, but your dream or idea is always possible.
Sometimes, it’s a matter of gaining clarity, knowing which direction you want to start, and then committing to move in that direction.
We all have a leader within us. It’s true. Life is a series of experiences that define our outlooks and outcomes. Breathe into it. Embrace your inner leader. The journey starts now. So step into your power and empower the leader within.
As an entrepreneur or business owner, every question starts and ends with you—that's just the truth. It’s time to be Number 1, whether that means leading your household or choosing to put yourself first. It can be scary, but every step unveils another piece of the puzzle or another page in your book. Your book is written with each chapter, and it’s no longer a dream—it’s your reality.
Be well. Do well.
All my best,
What better way to ground yourself and find clarity than through Breathwork. By practicing mindful breathing, you can better manage your emotions, enhance focus, and tap into your inner strength, empowering the leader within.
Don't miss our August and September Breathwork sessions:
Click the link here to sign up. $40 per class.
Kodi is passionate about both fitness and design, and created the Equipt Uwraps and Ubar to serve as both functional and fashionable pieces. This cool & catchy gear can be incorporated into your daily routine with as much time as you have or in many studios across the US.
Elaine is a designer and serial entrepreneur that cares deeply about quality, sustainability and the collaboration between her and her customers. She designs with sustainability as a core value; from material to the design, they are created for longevity.
Join me to talk about one of my favorite topics: fear.
I love fear because it’s truly a catalyst. If you ask yourself “what’s the worst that can happen?” and dig into what could happen—most of the time, it’s not that bad.
On the other side of embracing fear is FREEDOM!
Leah began her career in the corporate world and quickly climbed the ladder, establishing herself as a powerhouse. But her soul knew this wasn’t her purpose, leading her down a path of personal discovery and growth. Listen to find out how Leah created a life and business she loves.
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