As the leader of your own life, you face a daily choice: lead or follow. Personal leadership and mastery of leadership skills entail a continuous journey toward personal excellence, where you intentionally strive for a new look – to become the best version of yourself. To live a personal life aligned with your dreams and passions, a life of servant leadership, you must be deliberate and intentional about your journey and have a personal leadership development plan. Growth in your leadership role is intertwined with your personal growth, driven by sustaining daily habits that propel you toward your smart goals.

The first step in personal leadership involves leading oneself. Too often, people in a leadership position lack an action plan and let life happen to them, attributing failures to circumstances. Personal leaders and the best role models of leadership, however, have a clear understanding of the life they desire and take proactive steps to realize it through planning and action. Mastery of personal leadership requires ongoing development across all aspects of life, driven by purpose and goals. Effective leadership of team members and building a sense of trust are rooted in the ability to lead oneself and one’s own personal philosophy.

In The Leadership Challenge, James Kouzes and Barry Posner emphasize that leadership is an art, and mastery of it begins with self-mastery. Leadership development is self-development, starting with an inner quest to understand oneself. Self-confidence arises from awareness and faith in one’s abilities, which grow through identification and cultivation.

The Rabbi Meshulam Zusha’s words underscore the importance of authenticity in leadership. Embracing one’s limitations opens the door to limitless personal growth and development. E.E. Cummings’s quote highlights the challenge of remaining true to oneself amidst societal pressures to conform.

A great leader leads by example, driving change by first acknowledging and gaining a deeper understanding of the truth about themselves and always striving for professional development. Peter Block emphasizes in Stewardship that personal transformation is key to having a positive impact and effecting change in organizations. Gandhi’s adage, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” encapsulates this idea.

Ultimately, successful leadership hinges on personal success and developing one’s own strengths. Successful leaders must have a personal mission statement and set an example for their teams by pursuing continuous improvement, both in their personal and professional life. While growth may be challenging and uncomfortable, it is essential for personal and business success. A clear vision, regular self-reflection, and a commitment to personal development yield significant dividends both personally and professionally. What type of leader are you? Learn more about the best leaders and take the next step in your own personal leadership philosophy at Achievable.com.