The 3 Steps to Personal Leadership

Lead Yourself First: The Key to Personal Leadership Growth

I remember the day I got the opportunity to be promoted to a leadership position, Director of Global Accounts.  I was 30 and was not ready, but my bosses saw something in me and encouraged me to take this important step forward in my career, and I never looked back. 

As I later learned, I had been a leader, just not a leader of people (or manager), as some people call it.  And that’s when it hit me, you don’t have to have a title to be a leader.  As I’ve moved forward in my career, I’ve made many mistakes and learned many lessons, some of them painful - as I’m sure most of you can relate.  However, one of the most important things I learned is that I am responsible for myself and my actions, and I can only control how I respond and learn to move forward.  I can’t change anyone.  The only person I can change is me! 

This is when I really leaned into professional development and growth.  And, I’d admit, I’m a junkie.  I love learning and growing, and I hope today’s newsletter helps you learn and grow.

🎉 Here’s to many more years of making mistakes and learning from them to be the best I can be, each and every day! 

The Foundation of Leadership

Before you can effectively lead others, you must first learn to lead yourself. Leadership isn’t about titles, positions, or how many people report to you—it’s about personal growth, self-discipline, and the intentional investment you make in your own development.

As a business owner, team leader, or entrepreneur, you likely spend most of your time focusing on your team and business. But have you ever stopped to ask: Am I growing as a leader? Am I investing in myself as much as I invest in others?

One of the greatest examples of leadership built on self-discipline and resilience is Ernest Shackleton—an explorer whose leadership skills were forged in crisis. His ability to lead his crew through extreme adversity didn’t come from experience alone—it came from his own commitment to personal discipline, strategic thinking, and an unshakable mindset.

So, what does this mean for you? If you want to lead well, you have to start with yourself.

The Shackleton Example – Leadership Starts Within

Ernest Shackleton was an explorer who attempted several expeditions to Antarctica in the early 1900s. While he never achieved his original goal of reaching the South Pole, his true leadership legacy emerged when his ship, the Endurance, became trapped in the Antarctic ice. With no way forward, Shackleton had to shift his mission—from discovery to survival.

Despite impossible conditions, he successfully led his entire crew to safety. How?

Because he led himself first.

He controlled his mindset, remained adaptable, and demonstrated unwavering belief in his mission. His confidence, self-discipline, and ability to stay composed under pressure set the tone for his team.

Shackleton’s journey provides a powerful lesson for leaders today: 

✅ Before you can inspire belief in others, you must first believe in yourself. 

✅ Before you can guide others through challenges, you must develop resilience within yourself.

 ✅ Before you can lead a team effectively, you must invest in your own growth.

So, how can you apply this to your leadership? It starts with a simple framework: Invest in Yourself, Master Self-Discipline, and Lead with Gratitude.

I first learned of Shackleton from Dr. Nancy Koehan of Harvard University at the BIFMA 360 Conference in 2020.  I later wrote about him in a blog on my website: 3 Keys to Being A Great Leader

3 Steps to Leading Yourself First

1. Invest in Yourself

Leadership doesn’t just happen—it’s developed. If you’re waiting for someone else to invest in your growth, you’ll be waiting a long time. The best leaders take ownership of their personal and professional development.

📌 Practical Steps:

• Commit to lifelong learning – Read leadership books, listen to podcasts, or attend industry conferences.
• Find a mentor or coach – Surround yourself with people who challenge you and provide guidance.
• Make time for personal development – Set aside at least 30 minutes a day for learning and reflection.

Resource: How Leaders Lead Podcast

2. Master Self-Discipline and Mindset

Your mindset shapes your leadership. Leaders who are emotionally reactive, easily discouraged, or unfocused will struggle to inspire confidence in others. Shackleton succeeded because he remained calm, focused, and adaptable—even in the harshest conditions.

📌 Practical Steps:

• Create a leadership routine – Start your day with intentional practices like journaling, exercise, or goal-setting.
• Manage stress and emotions – Self-awareness is key; practice mindfulness and emotional intelligence.
• Stay adaptable – The best leaders embrace change and look for opportunities in challenges.

💡 Key Takeaway: Your habits define your leadership. What you do daily determines how you show up for others.

Resource: Finding Mastery Podcast with Dr. Michael Gervais

3. Lead with Gratitude

Gratitude isn’t just about being thankful—it’s a leadership strategy. Leaders who practice gratitude create positive team cultures, build trust, and foster resilience.

📌 Practical Steps:

• Start your day with gratitude – Write down three things you’re grateful for every morning.
• Express appreciation – A simple “thank you” to your team members or colleagues goes a long way.
• Reframe challenges – Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, ask: What can I learn from this?

💡 Quote to Remember:

"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." – Melody Beattie

The Ripple Effect – How Personal Leadership Impacts Others

The way you lead yourself directly impacts those around you. When you invest in your own growth, practice discipline, and lead with gratitude, you set the standard for your team.

If you believe in yourself, they will believe in themselves. If you bring a strong mindset, they will reflect that mindset. If you lead with gratitude, they will feel valued and inspired.

Leadership isn’t about what you say—it’s about who you are and how you show up every day.

Step Into Your Leadership Journey

Great leadership starts from within. Before you can effectively lead others, you must lead yourself with intention, discipline, and gratitude.

So, here’s your challenge: Take one step today to invest in your own growth. 

✅ Read a new leadership book 

✅ Start a gratitude practice 

✅ Reach out to a mentor or coach

Now, let’s continue the conversation: What’s one thing you’re doing today to invest in your leadership growth? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Until next time, Make Today Great!

Sid