When I was growing up, my daddy was a shutterbug – always taking pictures – of us kids, home renovations, our large extended family get-togethers, and cross-country vacations.

While those pictures aren’t labeled or dated (who had time for that?), I could guestimate my age by my hair length and the clothes I was wearing. (I’m about six in this picture. How can I tell? Because I still have my front teeth.)

I was able to visibly see that I’d grown and changed.

This year will be different from last, and you and I will certainly be different. Personally, I want to know that I’m different, and not just because I have more candles on the cake and more wrinkles on my face.
I like to focus on who I’m becoming. How am I moving closer to the best version of myself?

As a leader, hopefully you’re continuing to evolve with each passing year. But that kind of growth isn’t automatic. You must decide – choose – that you’ll learn and grow.

So I’ve compiled 24 points for you to ponder as you set intentions for your growth to live and lead in 2024.

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.
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. Identify the top three tasks that move the needle in your work today. Reflect on why these are crucial. Block time to focus on these tasks first, before anything else.
10. Hire the coach so you can shorten the learning curve and become aware of your blind spots.
11. Beware of RBF. (Unsure? Google it.)
12. Indulge your creativity and endurance through hobbies, athletics, and leisure activities. Your problem-solving and leadership abilities will be enhanced.
13. Talk less and listen more.
14. Ditch your superhero cape, resign as CEO of the Universe, and allow your humanness to come through. People will respect you for it.
15. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Every. Damn. Time.
16. Self-care is not selfish.
17. Reflect on your experiences and recording the learnings. Otherwise, you’ll keep making the same mistakes. After every meeting or project, meet with those involved and ask what went well and what could have gone better.
18. Be widely read. Read things that are outside of your industry or field. Read to learn. Read for enjoyment. Heck, just read.
19. Go outside. Spend time in nature. Wriggle your toes in the sand, grass, or dirt.
20. You are your presence and your presence is your power.
21. What matters most isn’t what you say or do, it’s the energy you bring.
22. If not now, then WHEN? If not you, then WHO?
23. Begin with the end in mind. What legacy will you leave?
24. Lastly, from my favorite philosopher, Ferris Buehler, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it.

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 which of these points resonated with you most. What action will you take to continue learning and growing?

Jennifer Ledet, CSP, SPHR, is a speaker, facilitator, coach, and author who works with individual leaders and with leadership teams – virtually and in-person – who are ready to roll up their sleeves, dial down their egos, and play full out to achieve real results.