Welcome to leadership 101. Today’s lesson? You are a leader.

That’s right. You are a leader. No one has to tell you that you are leader. You just have to believe it.

There is a difference between being a leader and being a follower. Neither is more important than the other. The truth is that neither exists if not for the other. Do you choose to be a leader or a follower? Do you ever choose to see yourself as a leader? I do. I see you to be the leader you are meant to be.

The scope of leadership changes over time. In the past, a leader appeared to be fearless, immaculate, commanding and perfect. Today, the definition seems different, doesn’t it? The best leaders make mistakes, accept their flaws, and acknowledge their weaknesses. In doing so, the rest of us feel comforted. We realize that if these flawed people are leaders, we can be leaders, too.

Good leaders strive for more than just their own success. They also want what is best for others. They encourage and celebrate the successes of friends, peers, and employees. This exemplifies the importance of self-leadership first and foremost and how it correlates to leading others.

Some consider me a leader because I am a martial artist, writer, and motivator. They see a real person, someone who makes mistakes, has obstacles, and faces devastation on occasion, but through it all still sees a sliver of good. I always try to inspire others in their journeys because I understand what it takes to get from point A to point B.

Everyone craves an update to their stale perspectives, to find personal greatness, and follow thier ambitions. To lead yourself well, you must believe in yourself and trust yourself. You should also understand that you are already a leader in so many aspects of your life. You are the leader of your time, choices, actions, behaviors and direction. The best leaders know that they can change their lives for the better by being more positive in mindset and attitude.

Every day, you are surrounded by circumstances out of your control. In fact, those around you, even those who love you, make mistakes that negatively affect you. You occasionally get lost in the crowd or swayed in the wrong direction. All of that is okay as long as you keep going and hold tight to who you are at your core. That is self-leadership at its best.

You may not want to be the kind of leader who is famous or is considered an expert. Still, you have leadership ideals and qualities. We all do. There are many who rely on you and consider you their source of information, intrigue, or motivation. They look up to you because they see the difference you make in their lives. In that sense, you are a leader and master of your life and you play a significant role in the lives of those around you.

Begin your day by considering yourself a leader and recognize that you contribute so much to the world around you. Your impact is more significant and powerful than you realize. You have the ability to create positive change with a smile, by sharing a kind word, or desiring success for others. Your encouragement and positivity is critical to someone else’s success. I think you can see how it is all connected.

Stop minimizing your impact. Take control of your story. Be true to who you are. You are much more than you realize.

You are a leader.

xoxo

Andrea

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xoxo

Andrea

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