Well we turned the page to 2021, and surprisingly (NOT!) our entire world didn’t just magically change into what we wish it would be. There were no Fairy Godmothers waving a magic wand. There was no pixie dust at the stroke of midnight.

But this year will be different from last, and you and I will certainly be different. It’s just that the changes won’t happen suddenly or magically. It’ll be a gradual process.

When we bought our current home, not long after Hurricane Katrina had paid us a visit, we wanted to completely remodel the entire house. Alas, that was not in the cards – nor the budget – for us. So we’ve tackled pieces and parts of the house (albeit BIG pieces and parts at times) over the years. 

As I write this, we are juuuussst wrapping up the latest project, and I’ve come to realize that we’ll never be finished with home improvement projects. It’s like a journey, but we never really arrive at a destination. (Shhhh. Don’t tell my hubby this!)

As leaders, hopefully we’re continuing to renovate, evolve, grow, and up-level. But that kind of growth isn’t automatic. You have to be intentional about it.

If we don’t change the direction we’re going, we’re likely to end up where we’re headed.

– Ancient Chinese Proverb

So as we dip our metaphorical toe into the water and ease into 2021, I’ve compiled 21 points for you to ponder as you set intentions for your growth as a leader in the coming year. 

1. Focus on what you can control. Let. The. Rest. Go.
2. Great leadership is a balance of yin and yang.
3. In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins; not through strength but by perseverance. – H. Jackson Brown, Jr, author. Be like the stream. Persevere.  
4. What you tell yourself matters. A lot.
5. Do a digital detox or take a digital break. Even if it’s just for 30 minutes each day.
6. If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody’s not thinking. – George S. Patton
7. All work and no play makes you dull, uninspiring, and unrelatable.
8. As the leader, take the side seat at the table.
9. When you stop growing you just start dying. – William Burroughs. How will you ensure that you grow this year? Hire the coach, take the course, read the book.
10. Beware of RBF. 
11. Indulge your creativity and endurance through hobbies, athletics, and leisure activities. You’ll be amazed at how your problem solving and leadership abilities will be enhanced.
12. Talk less and listen more.
13. Ditch your superhero cape, resign as CEO of the Universe, and allow your humanness to come through. People will respect you for it.
14. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Every. Damn. Time.
15. Self-care is not selfish.
16. Get in the habit of reflecting on your experiences and recording the learnings. Otherwise, you’ll keep making the same mistakes and just stay stuck. After every meeting, project, program, speech, or endeavor, meet with those involved and ask what went well and what could have went better.
17. Be widely read. Read things that are outside of your industry or field. Read to learn. Read for enjoyment. Heck, just read.
18. Go outside. Spend time in nature. Wriggle your toes in the sand, grass, or snow.
19. You are your presence and your presence is your power.
20. More often than not, what matters most isn’t what you say or do, it’s the energy you give off.
21. If not now, then WHEN? If not you, then WHO?

And one more for Lagniappe: (That’s Cajun for a little something extra)

22. Begin with the end in mind. What legacy will you leave?

Scientists say that our body’s cells replace themselves about every 7 to 10 years. That process happens without us having to think about it or orchestrate it. 

If you want to grow as a leader, though, you need to set your intentions and then identify consistent actions that you’ll take to get you there – or that will at least move you in the right direction.

I’d love to hear about your 2021 intentions. Pop a comment in my blog here. As always be sure to pass this along to anyone you know who’d benefit from my message.

I’ll be your guide on the side to help you THRIVE through these unchartered territories rather than just survive. Schedule a complimentary discovery call here: https://calendly.com/jennifer-ledet

You might also like:

Women in Leadership: You Are Contagious

Leadership Tips to Develop Non-Negotiable “New Normal” Habits

Why Your Employees Should Stop Thinking Like Employees

Jennifer Ledet, CSP, is a leadership consultant and professional speaker (with a hint of Cajun flavor) who equips leaders from the boardroom to the mailroom to improve employee engagement, teamwork, and communication.  In her customized programs, leadership retreats, keynote presentations, and breakout sessions, she cuts through the BS and talks through the tough stuff to solve your people problems.

Photo by Johnson Wang on Unsplash