“The first act of leadership is coming to grips with yourself, who you are, where you are, and what is of value to you, and shaping yourself by acts of conscious will into what you want to become.”
FENWICK W. ENGLISH
To lead others, it is necessary that you are first able to lead yourself. A task that can get the best of most, if you are not quite sure “who” exactly it is that you are leading.
Coming to grips with yourself – each facet that makes up the “who” you are – demands a high level of self awareness, unvarnished honesty and a measure of forgiveness. Once you have completed a thorough, yet loving, self assessment then you are in a better position to begin the work that is needed to make a present reality meet the future vision.
Each of us is a work in progress.
For there is always capacity for growth, improvement and actualization. Besides, becoming what you were intended to be isn’t an overnight affair. Never. It takes time, guts, perseverance and a measure of “want to” to will yourself into becoming the best version of that person you see in the mirror.
As time goes by, it won’t just be you seeing that reflection. Others will be drawn in to take a look too and see what the fuss is all about.
Through seeing you, witnessing and experiencing your efforts, they will want to try to embrace a glimpse of what could be them should they choose to follow your lead. They will want to learn, understand and then share in that very process. So that they know from the source how one can shape and will oneself into that best version of themselves.
They will welcome and benefit from seeing you fail and learning from your mistakes so that they may do the same. They will relish and appreciate the wisdom you provide on your journey as they work towards their own goals on theirs.
Leading yourself first in an open and honest fashion ultimately leads others to do the same.
Shaping all by acts of a conscious will into what you choose to become.
So they may as well.
Forever spreading ever outward.
...my temporary assignment. 