What Does It Mean to Be Truly Committed?

On the most recent episode of The Self Aware Leader podcast, I dove deep into the concept of commitment. We often throw that word around – I'm committed to fitness, committed to this project, committed to my personal growth. But what does true, maximum commitment really look like and feel like?

To dissect this, I like to rephrase the question:

"What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve a goal or uphold a value?"

That hits a little harder, doesn't it? Because true commitment isn't just about the good times, the easy choices. It's about what you'll keep doing, who you'll keep being, even when it's inconvenient, difficult, and frankly...uncomfortable.

Commitment in Action

Let's look at some examples:

• Relationships: Truly committed partners don't walk away at the first sign of conflict. They stay and work through the challenges – not because it's easy, but because the value of the relationship outweighs the temporary discomfort.

• Health: Being committed to your health isn't about a crash diet; it's about making sustainable lifestyle changes. We're talking early mornings for workouts even when you're tired, and saying 'no' to temptations that derail your goals.

• Career: Maximum commitment here means going the extra mile. Putting in the late nights to perfect a project, taking on extra responsibilities to learn – the things that aren't necessarily expected but are essential for growth.

Commitment Isn't Easy (But It's Worth It)

True commitment will stretch your comfort zone. There will be times when you want to give up, walk away, or cut corners. That's when you ask yourself that all-important question again: is what you want on the other side of this challenge worth the sacrifice you're making now?

It's important to be honest with yourself. If the answer is no, that's okay! Maybe now isn't the time, or perhaps you need to re-evaluate whether your goal is truly aligned with your values. But if that answer is a resounding "YES"... then it's time to dig in and make true commitment a part of your everyday life.

How do you cultivate maximum commitment? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Finding Leadership Strength in the Face of My Own Storms

The weight of the world feels heavy on my shoulders lately. Deadlines pile up, personal challenges mount, and it seems like another chaotic day follows each chaotic night. In moments like these, I crave inspiration—a reminder of how to navigate the chaos and lead myself (and others) with purpose.

Recently, while pondering leadership principles, I found myself revisiting the final days of Jesus Christ. I know it sounds like a heavy topic, but as I dove into it and considered John Maxwell's analysis of leadership, I realized there's incredible strength to glean from Jesus' actions under the most unimaginable pressure.

His story hit me in a whole new way. Here's what struck me the most:

• The Power of Peace in Chaos: Jesus, facing what he knew was ahead, exuded peace. That resonates with me right now. I'm learning that holding a sense of calm in my own life's storms lets me make clearer decisions – and it sets a crucial example for those I lead.
• Clarity When The Path is Foggy: Even knowing what was coming, Jesus' vision and communication became sharper than ever. For me, as a leader, it's easy to get stuck in the muck of the current problems. This is a reminder that communicating my vision, especially when times are tough, is non-negotiable.
• Love and Belief that Doesn't Waver: His love for and belief in his followers never shook, even facing betrayal. Sometimes, self-doubt creeps in, making me question my leadership, and my ability to support others. Seeing Jesus' actions is a powerful reminder that showing genuine love and belief in my team is one of the strongest things I can do.
• Eyes on the Future, Feet in the Present: Jesus's future focus was intense. He painted a clear picture of what lay ahead. Life can throw plenty of hurdles, but keeping a sense of long-term direction, for myself and those I lead, helps us push through.

Look, I'm the first to admit putting these lessons into practice is far from easy. Being a truly self-aware leader means I know I'll get it wrong sometimes. Impatience or fear might get the best of me. But that's why I keep coming back to examples like this. Leadership, especially when things get tough, is about constantly returning to your principles and finding strength to put them into practice.

Have any of you ever turned to unconventional sources for wisdom in difficult times? Let's talk about it in the comments!

The latest episode featuring Ben Corliss, a renowned Men's Fitness Expert and the visionary behind Lifts with Wolves, serves as a testament to the podcast's commitment to exploring all facets of leadership and personal growth. Ben's approach to fitness transcends the physical, delving into the profound impact that strength training can have on mental and emotional well-being.

At the core of this episode is the idea that leadership is not a one-dimensional attribute confined to the boardroom; rather, it's a multi-faceted quality that encompasses every aspect of our lives, including our physical health and emotional resilience. Ben Corliss, through his innovative fitness programs, illustrates how becoming physically strong and confident can serve as a foundation for developing the other qualities essential for effective leadership.

One of the most compelling takeaways from the conversation with Ben is the concept that strength training is not solely about achieving an aesthetically pleasing physique. It's about embarking on a journey that challenges one's limits, cultivates discipline, and builds confidence—qualities that are invaluable for any leader.

Ben's programs, accessible through his website bencorliss.fitbudd.com, and his social media presence on Instagram @lifts.with.wolves, offer more than just workout routines. They provide a holistic approach to fitness that addresses the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being. This comprehensive perspective on health and fitness is what sets Ben apart as a fitness expert and makes his insights incredibly relevant for anyone looking to enhance their leadership capabilities.

Another significant aspect of the episode is the discussion on how lifting weights can serve as a powerful tool for mental and emotional health. The discipline of regularly challenging oneself in the gym can translate into increased mental resilience and emotional stability—key components of a self-aware leader. This discussion underscores the podcast's broader message: leadership is an ever-evolving journey of self-improvement that requires attention to all aspects of one's life.

The Self-Aware Leader Podcast, through episodes like the one with Ben Corliss, provides listeners with actionable advice and thought-provoking discussions designed to unlock their full potential. It encourages us to look beyond traditional notions of leadership and to embrace a more holistic approach that includes physical well-being as a critical component of effective leadership.

In summary, the episode with Ben Corliss on the Self-Aware Leader Podcast serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of physical strength, mental resilience, and emotional stability in the development of effective leadership. It's a call to action for all aspiring leaders to embrace a more comprehensive approach to personal development, one that acknowledges the transformative power of integrating physical fitness into the leadership journey. Tune in to this life-changing podcast and take the first step towards becoming the exceptional leader you were destined to be.

The Dichotomy of Leadership: Embracing Complexity for Authentic Impact

As leaders, we are frequently taught to be decisive and project certainty. But the world, and the people we lead, are rarely black and white. Truly impactful leadership demands embracing the contradictory, the complex, and finding power in the uncomfortable "grey spaces." Teal Swan's thought-provoking exploration of dichotomy offers a powerful lens to re-examine how we lead, and how we see ourselves.

The Discomfort of "And"

Our brains crave simplicity. We want easy answers, neat narratives. Witnessing good and bad traits coexisting in a person – whether it's someone we manage, a public figure, or even ourselves – creates a cognitive dissonance most of us struggle to tolerate. This leads to:

• Demonizing or Glorifying: Biased narratives and all-or-nothing thinking warp our understanding of those we lead, undermining balanced judgment.

• Splitting: We compartmentalize, seeing team members as "all good" or "all bad" (and ourselves too!). This fuels inconsistent reactions and erodes trust.

• Lost Opportunities: When we can't tolerate nuance, we may miss out on the growth potential held within challenges and flaws.

Expanding Your Leadership Capacity: Becoming the Container

Teal Swan coins the term "And Consciousness" – the ability to hold opposing truths simultaneously. For a leader, this is transformative:

1. Beyond Judgment: By holding both good AND bad aspects of a person or situation, we lessen knee-jerk reactions and make more informed choices.

2. Seeing the Whole: This broader perspective helps us see potential blind spots in individuals and ourselves, fostering better long-term strategies.

3. Nurturing Growth: Understanding complexity allows space for people (including ourselves) to evolve, without feeling defined by past mistakes.

How to Become a Leader Who Holds Dichotomy:

• Question Your Assumptions: When you find yourself categorizing someone (or yourself) as "always" or "never," pause. Seek out information that challenges your current view.

• Explore the Root of 'Extremes': If you're stuck seeing someone as perfect or monstrous, ask yourself: how does this belief serve me? Am I avoiding something uncomfortable?

• Check Your Nervous System: All-or-nothing thinking spikes when we're stressed. Practice calming techniques to access a more objective mindset.

• Embrace the 'In-Between': Leadership isn't just about having all the answers. Model comfort with "I'm not sure yet," and invite your team to explore the nuance alongside you.

The Challenge of Authentic Leadership

It's important to note: This isn't about condoning harmful behavior or ignoring red flags. But it IS about becoming a leader who understands that people are messy, teams have rough patches, and even your own best intentions sometimes have unforeseen consequences.

Holding dichotomy means embracing the uncomfortable truth that great strengths can co-exist with deep flaws... even within ourselves. That's where transformative leadership begins.

Further Exploration:

• Teal Swan's video "And Consciousness" offers more depth on this concept. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27Tl8KIj6Xg]

• Blog Post https://tealswan.com/resources/articles/dichotomy/

Share your thoughts! How do you approach holding seemingly contradictory aspects of your team members, yourself, or leadership situations?

The Power of Incremental Progress: Unlocking Your Potential with the 1% Rule

Have you ever looked at wildly successful leaders and wondered how they got there? It's tempting to think they possess some extraordinary talent or luck that we lack. But the truth, as revealed in Tommy Baker's book "The 1% Rule," is often far less glamorous and far more accessible. It's about the power of small, consistent improvement.

The Secret? It's in the Process

Baker's central premise is that if you commit to being just 1% better at your chosen field, passions, or leadership goals every single day, the compounding effect over time leads to astounding transformation.

This might feel underwhelming at first. But this is where understanding the mindset of a self-aware leader helps immensely. Instead of focusing on distant, daunting targets, the 1% Rule offers a path of sustainable and attainable progress.

The 1% Code for Self-Aware Leaders

Baker outlines five key principles to make the 1% Rule work for you:

1. Fall in love with the process: Self-aware leaders understand that it's not about the final destination, but about embracing the journey of constant growth and development. Find joy in the everyday tasks that contribute to your long-term vision.

2. Do it every single day: Consistency is key. Even small actions, done daily, become powerful. Carve out time for reflection, learning, and intentional efforts to improve, no matter how busy you get.

3. Celebrate your commitment: Self-aware leaders are kind to themselves. Recognize your effort, and use those small wins as fuel to sustain your momentum.

4. Track your metrics and data: Knowing where you stand helps you adapt your approach. What are the key metrics indicating your leadership progress? Find ways to track them to chart your growth.

5. Master your craft: The relentless pursuit of excellence is a self-aware leader's hallmark. Dedicate yourself to continual learning, refining your knowledge and skills within your leadership domain.

Why it matters for Leadership

The 1% Rule approach cultivates:

• Resilience: Small, daily wins build confidence in your ability to navigate even major challenges.
• Sustainable growth: Instead of burnout from chasing grand goals, you build long-lasting progress.
• Focus: The clarity of daily action keeps you from feeling overwhelmed by the big picture.
• Adaptability: Being a self-aware leader means continually evolving. The 1% Rule naturally keeps you in a mindset of ongoing learning.

Where in your leadership could you apply the 1% Rule right now? Maybe it's dedicating 15 minutes a day to reading relevant material, or taking time to better understand a team member's perspective.

Share your thoughts below! How might this micro-improvement approach transform your leadership journey?

Further Exploration: For more on this concept, check out Tommy Baker's book "The 1% Rule: How to Fall in Love With The Process and Achieve Your Wildest Dreams"

It's no secret that leadership can be brutally demoralizing. Even the most passionate leaders experience those days when motivation wanes and it feels like the whole world is pushing back. But as Carey Nieuwhof rightly points out, succumbing to that discouragement is a surefire recipe for disaster. So, how do we navigate these tough seasons with resilience and emerge stronger on the other side?

The Root of Discouragement

Often, what brings us down isn't the challenge itself, but losing sight of our 'why'. We become entangled in the frustrating details— endless disagreements over the 'how', the feeling of carrying all the weight alone, or even emotional reactivity in the heat of the moment. That's when it's critical to step back.

6 Strategies from a Leader Who's Been There

Carey Nieuwhof offers invaluable strategies for combating leadership discouragement, and I've found them to resonate deeply with my own experience as a self-aware leader:

1. Rediscover Your 'Why': Realigning with your core purpose, the reason you stepped into leadership, can be like a jolt of adrenaline in a slump. Tap into your mission, your vision, and remember that your work matters.

2. Embrace Emotional Intelligence: On your worst days, channel your inner emotionally intelligent leader. Recognize your emotions, but don't let them sabotage your impact. Cultivate self-regulation to ensure your team doesn't suffer along with you.

3. Celebrate Small Wins: Not every victory will be a headline-grabbing change. Find small, achievable tasks to give you that immediate sense of accomplishment. It fuels your spirit for those long-term, complex goals.

4. Reach Out to Your Inner Circle: Don't underestimate the power of connection! Having a trusted confidant – someone who understands but isn't part of your daily work – can provide invaluable perspective and keep loneliness at bay.

5. The Power of Rest: Exhaustion breeds discouragement. Prioritize sleep – a full night or a strategic nap – to recharge your optimism and decision-making abilities.

6. Don't Give Up at the Brink: It might feel tempting to walk away just when things are the darkest. But remember, breakthroughs often happen just beyond that point. Weather the storm, trust your resilience, and don't be afraid to seek out support when you need it.

Self-Awareness is Your Superpower

Cultivating awareness of your triggers, your emotional responses, and your core motivations is essential to prevent discouragement from taking over. A self-aware leader can recognize these moments and apply the best strategies to reset and re-energize.

Share Your Victories

Have you overcome discouragement in your own leadership? What tools and practices have been vital for you?  Let's remind each other that we're not alone in this journey!

Inspiration: For more wisdom on this topic, head to Carey Nieuwhof's original post: https://careynieuwhof.com/7-ways-to-beat-discouragement-in-leadership/

Forging Your Authentic Leadership Path: Insights for a Richer, Honest Life

We're constantly bombarded with self-help advice and supposed blueprints for success. But the truth is, authentic leadership (and a truly fulfilling life) demands a deeply personal approach. It's about self-discovery, embracing the uncomfortable, and choosing your own way forward. Let's unpack some thought-provoking truths that illuminate this path:

1. "Build your own rules." There is no one-size-fits-all answer to being a great leader. True power comes from uncovering your own values, strengths, and motivations, then forging a path that aligns with them. Don't let external pressures define your leadership journey.

2. "Sometimes, you need to go where you least wanna go..." Growth is often uncomfortable. Self-aware leaders embrace the shadows— they don't shy away from difficult feedback, their own vulnerabilities, or challenging situations. It's through this exploration that blind spots transform into insight.

3. "You’re not what happens to you but what you choose to become." Resilience is the cornerstone of effective leadership. External events may be out of your control, but your agency lies in how you respond. Ask yourself: "Am I allowing adversity to harden me, or can I transform challenges into catalysts for growth?"

4. "Stop talking, start doing." Self-aware leaders are defined by action. Grand visions are good, but it's in consistent, focused execution that true results unfold. Remember, your impact on the world is measured not by your intentions, but by your deeds.

5. "Looking at the outside won’t ever lead to a satisfying life..." It's tempting to compare ourselves to others, seeking external validation. Self-aware leaders are rooted in introspection—they prioritize understanding their own desires and motivations. When you know your intrinsic "why", outside pressures fade.

6. "Knowing your own darkness will help you to deal with the darkness of others..." Self-awareness isn't just about knowing your strengths. Embracing your flaws cultivates compassion, empathy, and the ability to understand the complexities in others. This is where truly impactful leadership arises.

7. "You don’t need to solve every problem..." Leadership can be exhausting. A self-aware leader understands there are times to act and times to step back. Recognize that some challenges resolve themselves with time, or offer opportunities for others on your team to shine.

8. "If someone irritates you, it might be because of your own flaws..." We are all mirrors to each other. When someone triggers a visceral reaction, it can be a powerful signal to check in with yourself. What is this person revealing about an area within you that needs attention?

The Call to Authenticity

Being a self-aware leader isn't about perfection, it's about evolving. Embrace constant inquiry, embrace discomfort, and embrace the fact that there are no final answers. Your leadership journey is a constant act of becoming the most authentic version of yourself.

Share Your Thoughts!

Which of these insights resonates most strongly with you? How do you approach leading from an authentic and self-aware place? Let's continue the conversation in the comments!

This podcast was inspired by: https://original.newsbreak.com/@visual-freedom-561169/2138088177305-8-quotes-by-carl-jung-that-could-change-the-way-you-think-and-live

Are lingering resentments in your relationships or workplace interactions leaving you frustrated and disconnected? Do unresolved conflicts keep you in an emotional tailspin? It might be time to consider a culprit frequently overlooked: projection.

What is Projection, and Why Does It Matter?

Projection is a sneaky psychological defense mechanism where we unconsciously attribute our own unresolved issues (often stemming from past hurts) onto someone else. It's easy to believe that our current partner, colleague, or employee is the sole source of our pain. But that conviction is where the deception of projection lies.

Telltale Signs of Projection

• Righteous Indignation: Feeling absolutely sure you're right and the other person is completely to blame for the problem.
• Feeling Deeply Wounded: Minor disagreements trigger disproportionate sadness or hurt, indicating something deeper might be at play.
• Life or Death Intensity: Overwhelming anxiety or a frantic need to resolve issues NOW can signal past trauma being re-triggered.

The Damaging Impact on Love and Leadership

Sadly, projection short-circuits genuine connection. When we refuse to examine our own contributions to a situation, we end up trapped in entanglements – relationships that lack genuine harmony and become breeding grounds for resentment. This energy drain is equally damaging in leadership contexts, creating a culture of blame instead of growth.

Breaking Free

The good news is that recognizing projection is the first step towards greater self-awareness, healthier relationships, and more effective leadership. It's about understanding how past experiences might be shaping your responses to present challenges.

Questions for Reflection

• After a disagreement with your partner or employee, do you quickly rebound or maintain distance?
• Do you have an underlying belief that it's not good to "give in" quickly?
• Do you sense, in those moments, you might be subconsciously trying to "punish" the other person?

Please note: This is NOT about excusing abusive behavior, but understanding your own triggers, so you can respond from a place of empowerment, not reactivity.

Inspiration and Further Learning

The work of Katie and Gay Hendricks provides a fantastic framework for understanding and working through projection in relationships. You can find their resources at https://www.heartsintrueharmony.com/catalog/ebook.html

The Path to Greater Connection

Becoming a truly self-aware leader requires courageous introspection. Recognizing projection releases us to create more fulfilling, authentic relationships and lead with clarity and compassion.

Share Your Insights!

Have you experienced the effects of projection in your personal or professional life? What strategies have helped you navigate these situations? Let's learn together in the comments below!

If you're passionate about self-development and maximizing your potential as a leader, I want to introduce you to a concept that can change everything – the Zone of Genius. Popularized by the brilliant author Gay Hendricks, the Zone of Genius is a place where your deepest passions and your inherent abilities collide. Let's delve into a few questions he poses that will help you discover yours:

• What lights your fire? Think about the tasks you love so much you LOSE yourself in them, time dissolving as you work.

• Work, or effortless play? What makes you feel energized, where the concept of "work" fades away?

• Efficiency + Joy = Success: What tasks (even short ones) give you a deep sense of satisfaction and create abundance?

• What's your superpower? We all have unique talents. Tap into the special skill you were born with; harnessing it brings incredible rewards to you and those you lead!

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding your Zone of Genius isn't just about feeling good while you work (although that's important!). Here's why this is a game-changer:

• Unleash your potential: When you're operating in your Zone of Genius, you're naturally productive, innovative, and create work of real value.

• Authentic leadership: When you know what makes you tick, you lead with confidence, and it shows!

• Inspiring teams: Working from your Zone of Genius sets an example: it encourages your team to find their own flow.

Your Invitation to Action

Take some time for reflection! What tasks make you feel like you're in your Zone of Genius? How can understanding this concept better empower you as a leader? Let's inspire each other to tap into our strengths and make a meaningful difference.

Remember, self-awareness is a superpower. And you have the potential to become the exceptional leader you were meant to be.

We all crave change. We want to be better versions of ourselves – wiser, kinder, more successful, healthier. But the journey from where we are to where we want to be is rarely a straight line, and it certainly isn't quick. Real, lasting change isn't some lightning-in-a-bottle magic trick. It's a complex, multifaceted process.

As self-aware leaders, it's crucial that we recognize this truth. We need to relinquish our tight-fisted grasp on perfectionism and acknowledge that the real transformation happens on the messy middle ground, the part filled with learning curves, stumbles, and setbacks.

Change as a Commitment

The commitment to change is a commitment to continuous work. We make a promise to ourselves to never stop learning, growing, and evolving. It means shedding old habits and patterns of behavior that no longer serve us. It's time to say goodbye to those lingering character flaws that keep dragging us down.

The desire to "do it right" can be crippling in the face of change. This perfectionist mindset leaves little room for mistakes, for the experimentation that's critical to the change process. We end up paralyzed at the start, afraid of straying from some imaginary ideal.

The Gift of Messy: Change as a Learning Opportunity

So, we need to flip the script in our minds. Mistakes aren't flaws—they're learning opportunities! If you slip up when trying to ditch an old habit, don't spiral into self-blame. Use it as a chance for reflection:

• What triggered the slip-up?
• How did you feel in that moment?
• Is there something you could do differently next time?

Change should be a constant adventure of discovery. This involves uncovering new, healthier ways of interacting with yourself and the world around you. The goal isn't to flawlessly execute some change formula – it's to continually expand your knowledge of yourself and your behaviors.

Practical Tips for Embracing Change as a Process

1. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: You didn't get where you are overnight, and you won't change overnight either. Celebrate the small steps forward, no matter how minor they seem.

2. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: We've all fallen victim to the all-or-nothing approach. But remember, "done" is always better than "perfect." Every little shift matters.

3. Seek Support and Accountability: Find mentors, coaches, or friends who will help you along the way. Accountability creates momentum.

4. Reflect, Reflect, Reflect: Take time to pause, look back on your journey, and appreciate how far you've come. These moments of introspection can become fuel for future change.

It Never Ends, and That's Beautiful

The best part? The process of change never truly ends. There is always room for more growth, more self-awareness, and more opportunities to step even further into our best selves.

Embrace the journey, own those "messy" moments of learning, and watch yourself transform in ways you never could have imagined.

Let me know if you'd like me to expand on this for your podcast, or have any other topics in mind!