To Grow, You Need The Right Habits
We all have habits. Some are dynamic and expansive, while others may be corrosive. The habits we choose, which I call the right habits, are the building blocks of a successful leadership career.
Leadership isn’t a title—it is a practice, a craft. Like any craft, it thrives on habits.
The world around us is changing faster than ever. Markets shift. Technology evolves. Teams grow more diverse. The demands on leaders are relentless. To lead effectively, you can’t rely on yesterday’s skills. Growth isn’t optional. It’s essential.
Remember Marshall Goldsmith’s classic book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There? It is still as relevant today as when it was first published.
But growth doesn’t just happen. We build growth, brick by brick – and habit by habit.
The Power of Small, Intentional Actions
January is a brilliant time to discuss the right habits. Habits are the silent architects of leadership. They shape how you think, how you act, and, ultimately, how you lead.
Small, consistent actions compound over time. A daily habit of reading up on industry trends sharpens your perspective. A weekly practice of reflecting on your decisions strengthens your judgment. A commitment to seeking feedback creates a culture of trust.
Your professional and personal growth isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about the micro-movements that quietly transform you into a more capable leader.
Learn More to Lead More = READ MORE
Learning fuels leadership growth. We stagnate without learning (growing, adapting, challenging old behaviors).
What habits are feeding your mind?
Are you exposing yourself to new ideas?
I wanted to start something new this year. As many of you who have read Living Leadership for years know, I make a habit of reading. I have continued my formal education for years, reading books that inspire, explain, instruct, and educate me beyond any classroom theory.
This year I hope to inspire you to do likewise. I will share insights of what I read the past week and how it applies to our leadership roles and you as an individual.
This week, I am finishing Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art. It is a brilliant and relevant inspiration for me to sit down at the keyboard, complete draft 1 of Jack Griffin’s next book, and send it to my editor.
Done ✔
Priestfield describes what a professional is/does in The War of Art.
These descriptions hit home for me:
- We show up every day
- We show up no matter what
- We stay on the job all-day
- We commit over the long haul
- The stakes are real and high
- We master the techniques of our jobs
- We have a sense of humor about our jobs
Leaders who prioritize learning unlock their potential. Pressfield calls it The Muse.
How to Apply:
- Build the right habits that feed your curiosity.
- Set aside time to read a thought-provoking book (Hint: the two in the photograph would be a good place to start).
- Listen to podcasts that challenge (push) your thinking. (Hint: Living Leadership will be available again as a podcast soon.)
- Attend workshops that refine your skills (Hint: we have 2 seats left for SONAR Leadership 2.0 on January 23, 2025, in Vancouver).
Learning and leadership are two sides of one coin. One supports the other.
Evolve Through Reflection
But learning alone isn’t enough. Leaders evolve when they integrate what they’ve learned into their behavior.
That requires reflection.
Reflection is more than fixing mistakes. It’s about deepening self-awareness and transforming the experience into wisdom.
Make it a habit to pause and reflect every day and every week. I do mine weekly on Sunday mornings and call it my Gold Time. Leadership evolves in those quiet moments of insight.
Reflection includes the habit of asking:
- What worked?
- What didn’t?
- How can I show up better next time?
Habits Shape Who You Become
Your leadership journey is a marathon, not a sprint. The habits you develop today will shape the leader you become tomorrow.
So, what habits are you building?
Are they moving you closer to the leader you aspire to be?
Or are they keeping you stuck in place?
The beauty of habits is their flexibility. You can and should start small, then adjust and grow.
Commit to the Craft
Leadership isn’t static. It’s a craft you refine with time, effort, and intention.
The right habits are your most powerful tools in that process. Your habits ensure your growth isn’t left to chance and transform potential into progress.
If you want to lead better, start by building better habits. Learn more. Reflect often. Evolve constantly.
Your growth is in your hands.
What habits will you start today?
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Here is a little of what they say about what they do and how they work:
At Lifestyle Transformations, we specialize in helping individuals achieve remarkable results in both their physical and mental well-being. Over the years, we’ve partnered with countless organizations to empower their teams with the tools, structure, and accountability needed to create lasting change.
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They offer the perfect blend of goal-setting and support. If you are interested, reach out to either Ryan or Chris here:
