In this article we will give some specific guidelines of things you should do to become a more effective leader. This will positively impact all areas of your life, not just your effectiveness at work.
In order to be truly effective as a leader, you need to focus on 4 areas:
Physical
Is eating right and exercising regularly part of your routine? Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Are you overweight? Being physically fit provides the foundation for being emotionally and mentally sharp. If you are not at your physical best you can never be at your emotional and mental best. What do you need to do?
Commit to Eating Healthy:
Get on a great health program that is sustainable. Weight Watchers is one of those that is not a diet, but a lifestyle. If you are to have control of your eating the changes must become habit and part of your lifestyle.
Commit to Regular Exercise:
An excellent way to do this is to invest in an activity tracker. Recommendation is achieving 10,000 steps a day, but don’t be overwhelmed by this goal. Start and make a commitment that causes you to become more active. Figure out what works for you, make it sustainable, and then stick with it.
Be Tired when you go to Bed:
Make sure you are engaging in activities that make you tired when you go to bed at night. Develop a going to bed routine that prepares you for sleep. If you are physically tired and do a regular wind down routine you will sleep better and feel better.
Emotional
Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you positive in your outlook? Do you suffer from mood swings? Starting off your day right can put you in a more positive frame of mind. You need to determine what works for you but here are a few ideas.
Start a Journal.
Writing down what has happened and what you are feeling can be a great way to process. The act of writing often gives clarity and perspective.
Read/Listen to Leadership Blogs and Personal Development materials.
These can help us keep things in perspective, give us tools that can make us better, and present case studies that improve our emotional intelligence.
Spend time with those you Love and Respect.
Volunteer together in organizations you are committed to. Giving back helps others and impacts lives.
Spend time on Hobbies and Activities you love.
Doing this helps us unwind and recharge. It causes us to use our mind in a different way.
Mental
Do you feel sharp? Do you feel qualified to do what you do? Do you feel like you are engaging in learning every day? Is learning a priority for you? You cannot be the best leader if you are not learning every day. What are some things you should consider doing?
Spend time learning in areas you want to improve.
Determine what areas you want to become better in. Research the literature and purchase books, sign up for webinars, get audio books and immerse in learning.
Read a book through and then go through a second time making notes. After making notes review the notes. 90 days later go through the notes again. Engage in deep learning.
Listen to audio books.
Listen in the car, when doing chores, etc. This utilizes time much more effectively then listening to news or music on the radio.
Take Action on what you are Learning:
Learning without action is just noise. You need to apply what you are learning. Make a short list of actions you will take to implement what you have learned.
Reflect on what you are learning by writing in your journal.
If you can write it down then you have achieved a level of learning. Then discuss what you are learning with others.
Spiritual
We are spiritual beings and whatever you believe make sure you are meditating and reflecting. I am a committed Christian and so I regularly spend some time reading the Bible, reading devotionals, and spending time in reflection and prayer. You need to do what works for you and reflects what you believe.
Don’t implement all of these at the same time. Pick the one or two that you can stick with and believe will have the biggest impact on your life. Commit to doing this for 90 days. After 90 days assess where you are and look at adding additional items. Remember this is a never-ending journey. You don’t want to change too much at one time as it will not be sustainable. Focus on becoming incrementally Better Every Day.
