Have you ever felt stuck, like you're waiting for permission to grow?
You’re not alone. Many of us grow up learning how to follow directions, meet expectations, and do what’s asked of us. But what no one teaches us, at least not early enough, is how to lead ourselves. What would happen if we were better at this? At Blanchard, we call this skill self leadership.
What Is Self Leadership, Really?
Self leadership means being the driver of your own development and not waiting for someone else to set your goals, solve your problems, or tell you what’s next. It means recognizing your own power to choose how you show up, even when things are hard.
It’s asking for the help you need without apology. It’s celebrating your wins, owning your mistakes, and constantly learning along the way. And it’s realizing that the person most responsible for your future is you.
That might sound daunting, but it’s also incredibly freeing.
Why It Matters
When you take the reins of your own growth, you stop drifting and start designing. And from that place, everything changes:
• You feel more confident, even when you don’t have all the answers.
• You feel more connected, to your work, your team, and your purpose.
• You feel more resilient, because you know how to ask for what you need.
• You feel more fulfilled, because you’re building something that matters to you.
Self leadership gives you the tools and the mindset to thrive, even in the most complex and uncertain environments. But, like any skill, you have to develop it.
How to Start Leading Yourself
Here are a few small, meaningful ways to begin:
• Get curious about yourself. Pay attention to what energizes you, what drains you, and what you want to learn more about.
• Set your own goals. Don’t wait for your manager’s yearly review. What do you want to grow toward?
• Speak up. Advocate for your needs, your ideas, and your development. Your voice matters.
• Don’t think self leadership means going it alone. Look to the people around you, especially those in positions of authority who believe in you. Ask for their support, mentorship, and sponsorship.
• Stay open. Feedback, change, and challenges can all help you grow, if you’re willing to learn from them.
• Be kind to yourself. Self leadership is a journey, not a destination. Progress is more important than perfection.
You’ve Gotta Start Somewhere
Your growth matters. Your voice matters. And your leadership starts with you.
If you’re ready to invest in yourself, or if you lead people who are ready to take control of their development, we’d love to walk alongside you. Our Self Leadership course is designed to help you build the skills, confidence, and mindset to thrive, no matter where you are in your journey.
Explore our full lineup of growth-focused public programs in the Blanchard Leadership Marketplace: https://store.blanchard.com/s/marketingoffer
About the Author
More Content by Kayla Ratz
