Leadership of the Self

Most of us are pretty good at setting goals for our work. But are we as experienced in setting goals for our own development?

i am not talking about the New Years Resolution variety. Don't get me wrong.  Quitting smoking or losing five pounds is always good.

I'm talking about the kinds of goals that help us act on what's most meaningful in our lives, develop our gifts, and deepen character.

Those are goals that cannot be set or acted on from the fast lane of life. They require rigorous reflection, the capacity to wrestle with hard questions, the willingness to be uncertain and enjoy it.

Leadership of the Self is one of the less practiced leadership disciplines. We have a tendency to put everyone else first before taking care of our own needs.

Maybe that's a generous trait... 

Maybe it's a clever avoidance strategy... 

Taking time for yourself pays dividends.  As the old Taoist proverb reminds us: “No one can see their reflection in running water. It is only in still water that we can see.”