As a kid, I hated to read. I barely did what was required of me to get through my school assignments. However, something shifted in my mind after I graduated high school and entered college. Mentors whom I greatly respected shared with me that leaders are continual learners. They shared books they were reading. The modeled continual growth to me. My eyes were opened to why they had the impact and success they had achieved.
From that point on, I began reading because I wanted to rather than because I had to for school assignments. Truth be told, I still struggled to read for the purpose of my formal education. However, when I fell in love with the topic of leadership and personal growth, I became an avid reader that has now lasted more than 25 years.
I know reading isn’t the way that everyone learns best. Some prefer audiobooks or video training. Some like to be physically present in the room with presenters and attendees to feel the energy. How you like to learn isn’t as important as that you commit to continually learning. It’s not only good for you, but it’s vital to your leadership credibility and impact.
Leaders need to be able to stay ahead of the pack in order to lead their followers well. This doesn’t mean you need to be an expert on every topic that your organization is about. You certainly need subject matter experts on your team who know much more than you do about key topics. However, you can’t abdicate or delegate leadership development of yourself and remain relevant and effective for your followers.
I get it. Your job often demands much of your attention and time. You wonder where you can squeeze in time to read, listen, watch, etc. to learn. If this is what you’re thinking at this moment, consider the following ways you can effectively and efficiently invest in yourself so you can be better for those you lead:
1 – Listen while exercising
If you have a regular exercise routine, pop in earbuds, and instead of listening to music, put your mind to work listening to audiobooks or podcasts on a variety of topics that are relevant to your leadership or business. Not only will you become healthier physically, but you’ll also become sharper mentally while maximizing your time.
2 – Maximize your drive time
Speaker Jim Rohn is given credit for saying that if you listen to audio training on your commute over the period of three years that you’ll have the equivalent of a Ph.D. education in your preferred topic. Whether that is 100% accurate or not, the principle is valuable. While others are mindlessly listening to the noise of radio station DJs and commercials, you can be investing in your personal development that will impact those you lead.
3 – Get up early
This is something simple that many people push back on. I get it. We’re all tired after long days, but the most successful people are strategic with their sleep habits. They don’t stay up late binge-watching the latest shows or movies. They go to bed at a reasonable hour and rise early before the rest of the world wakes up. For me, I’ve developed the habit of waking up at 5 AM each weekday morning to read, pray, journal, and think. It’s been THE game-changer for my personal and professional life. For a former “night owl” this shift was challenging at first, but I now crave my quiet early mornings. I sacrifice staying up late for the growth I experience long before my family and the rest of the world wakes up. In fact, this habit has allowed me to write books and blog articles, record podcast episodes, and create a variety of other helpful content for my clients and followers. Without my early morning routine, I would be scrambling like most people do to get going each day. Instead, I have accomplished more by 9 AM than many people accomplish throughout their entire workdays. I don’t say this to impress you or to brag. I simply want to highlight that this one daily habit has the potential to transform your life and leadership.
4 – Schedule “power hours”
Whether you invest time learning during your lunch break or during another time during the day, block out space on your calendar to have a personal appointment to learn and grow. Guard this time like you would any other appointment. Productivity experts tell us to ask the question – “What ONE thing can I do that will affect 1,000 other things?” Blocking out time for personal development has that kind of impact. Each time you invest in yourself, you have more to give those you lead and you will learn to work more efficiently and effectively.
5 – Schedule time away
Leaders are busy. Sometimes the best way to invest in yourself is to escape the environment that keeps you so busy. This may mean going away to a conference or it may simply mean taking a personal retreat. Rent a cabin in the woods, take your learning materials, and something to write with. Give yourself time to think and reflect. Choose a topic to learn about and go deep during an extended period of time rather than in bite-sized chunks where you are only partly mentally engaged. Give yourself time to decompress, rest, and reflect as well. Busyness is like a drug. When you get away, the first few days can be tough. You may feel like you’re going through withdrawal. Slowing down from a frenetic pace can be tough. Be kind to yourself. Give yourself space and time. It’s not only good for you, but also for those you love and lead.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list of ways to invest in yourself, allow these to get your mind going on what can work best for you. My routine isn’t for everyone. Other people’s routines don’t work for me. John C. Maxwell is famous for stating that in order to grow yourself, you need to know yourself. Reflect on the following questions:
- How do you learn best? (reading, listening, watching, etc.)
- When are you sharpest each day? (morning, afternoon, evening)
- What topic(s) do you want to learn more about?
- When will you begin to invest in your personal development? (pick a firm date)
- What obstacles could get in your way?
- How can you overcome these obstacles?
Your personal growth matters. Don’t take this lightly. Instead, make it a priority so you can become better for yourself, your family, and those you lead. While it may take some effort, in the beginning, to get going, stay the course. It does get easier as you go, but you have to do the difficult work to start and press through the challenges.
You can do this.
I believe in you!
Until next time…make today GREAT!
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