Leadership starts with self discipline
As David Goggins rightly puts it, it’s not just about the “discipline” part; it’s the “self” part that truly matters. The responsibility lies squarely on our shoulders. While setbacks are inevitable in both our professional and personal lives, the turning point rarely comes from external sources. Instead, it emerges from our own self-realisation that we alone have the power to steer our lives in the desired direction.
The choice is ours.
Great leadership, in my view, hinges on developing inner strength—the ability to control our thoughts and responses. It may seem obvious, yet how often do we allow others’ actions and words to dictate our reactions and self-presentation? Have you ever witnessed a senior colleague lose their composure and rationality?
We can only control three fundamental aspects of life: our thoughts, our words, and our actions. I personally find this inspiring as these three elements shape our perception of the world and, consequently, our overall experience of it.
While we can’t change how others behave or what they say, we have full control over how we respond. This trait is evident in exceptional leaders—they maintain their composure and treat others with respect even in challenging circumstances. Identifying problematic thoughts and self-correcting requires immense strength and practice, but it’s a critical skill for effective leadership.
Every day is ours to master.
When people claim they don’t have time to exercise. This is a self-imposed limitation. Instead of blaming external factors like lack of time, wake up earlier or find a more creative solution. Motivation, not time, is the key. Summon the determination to start, and you’ll find a way. Mastering the morning sets the tone for the entire day, and it all begins with the self.
Executing a consistent and healthy morning routine while most people are still sleeping is a great way to get ahead and turn up mentally and physically more focused than everyone else which, as a leader, is a demonstration that you are in control from the first minute of each working day.
Our priorities must dictate our focus
Too often, we find ourselves swept away by someone else’s priorities, allowing our days to be shaped by external demands. Most of us will have a boss (or leader) who will have their own priorities. So, how do we strike a balance between their priorities and our own? Who truly controls our day?
Certainly, within an organization, we all play specific roles, and aligning with our bosses’ priorities is often necessary for teamwork and overall success. However, it’s equally crucial to establish our own working rhythm—a consistent and predictable approach that optimises both team performance and our personal peak productivity. While a touch of chaos can be effective in small doses, it rarely serves as a sustainable status quo.
Work-life balance is another critical consideration. Living solely to work rarely leads to lasting happiness. In fact, I believe that happiness should be the primary goal in life, and this aspiration should extend to our workplace (as my teams will have experienced!).
When we reflect on our lives from our metaphorical deathbed, we won’t reminisce about work achievements or stressors. Those thoughts won’t occupy our minds. Instead, we’ll cherish memories of time spent with loved ones—the moments that truly matter.
So, let’s not allow work-related pressures to take undue precedence when we are at home with family or loved ones. Instead, let’s focus on setting a positive example for those around us, emphasizing the value of relationships and balanced fulfillment.
