This tip will change the trajectory of your life!

Sometimes leading isn’t necessarily about directly leading others.

Sometimes our leadership plays out a bit more indirectly. Sometimes leadership is about the lives we choose to lead and how our actions can inspire change and energy in others.

When we live authentically we’re happier and healthier, and the bonus is the impact on other people around us.

I frequently take Ubers. I prefer the experience of calling an Uber over calling a taxi because I normally have great conversations with the drivers.

In two of my recent conversations with Uber drivers, I learned that these men were driving to offset the expenses of starting a business. One gentlemen I spoke to was happy about his business but he seemed even more happy about the fact that he no longer had to work at an unfulfilling job.

I share this story not to encourage you all to quit your jobs and become Uber drivers. I share this story because these men inspired me. They had enough courage to realise that they were not utilising their whole selves in their day-to-day professions and to actually do something about it. They realised they could use the full spectrum of their strengths by starting their own businesses and reclaiming their lives.

Perhaps starting a business isn’t necessarily what you want to do, but I do know that you have strengths and abilities that you aren’t using. I do know that you believe you could do more than you are doing now. You have unique talents and skills that aren’t being utilised.

So why haven’t you done anything about it?

Michael Singer writes in The Untethered Soul, “People don’t understand that fear is a thing. It’s just another object in the universe that you are capable of experiencing. You can do one of two things with fear: you can recognise that you have it and work to release it, or you can keep it and try to hide from it.”

This is one of the greatest lessons to learn as a leader — to master your fears.

Fear is very powerful. Fear tells us when there is danger and that we must protect ourselves. However, fear also limits our abilities by causing us to freeze when we should act. Fear stifles our creativity because we worry what others will think, when we should take the initiative to speak up.

Mastering your fears is all about understanding when you’re feeling fear and knowing what to do with it.

Fear is often an indication that you’re up against your limits. On the other side of your fear is growth — that’s why we’re told to face our fears.

The first thing to recognise is that your fear is most likely of criticism, not the thing you feel compelled to do. This form of rejection tears down our self-worth and our ambitions — if you let it. Leadership means having the conviction and resolve to remain unaffected in the face of criticism.

Reggie James is a CEO / Sales Guy at Beaker & Flint where he helps organisations build digital products and guide them on their digital transformation journey.

Have some ideas or questions you want to run by Reggie? Reach out either via the comments below or start a conversation by email here.