The Choice is Yours!
Over twenty years ago, I decided to turn my life upside down in search of opportunities that would allow me to create something by myself, for myself. I knew there was more to learn and explore beyond my current job, and I was eager to grow and explore.
When it became clear that I wanted to become a leader, I returned to school, took leadership courses, and started reading books that helped me become the leader I imagined myself to become one day.
In 2015, I got a job as a manager in the IT department. With time, I grew my team, and with that, I developed, grew, and implemented my vision. I found a mentor that supported me on my journey. It was the first time that I realized that to grow professionally, I had to look inside my heart and heal what kept me from truly becoming the person I was meant to be.
A few years later, I got another opportunity to work with a visionary leader. I was excited and ready to take on a new challenge. I felt like I finally got where I wanted to be. I waited for this day for a long time!
Despite my professional success, I continued to struggle with self-esteem, with believing in myself and my unique abilities. I didn’t see myself the same way as others did. I continued to live in the past, listening to the stories society told me, starting with my parents, my family, and my culture. I believed that I wasn’t enough. I let people take advantage of me because I felt unworthy and “less than.” I believed my success was somehow due to them, not my hard work.
I had no energy to lead, run my business, or raise my kids. I felt like I was strong enough to do it on my own. I felt weak and powerless, hopeless and helpless. As you can imagine, it was a very difficult time for me. I felt the burden of my life was heavier with every day I lived.
Despite my life's difficulties, I knew there was much more for me to do. And I knew I wasn’t the only one struggling. I had a choice; I could continue to be a victim of my own circumstances, or I could take charge of my own life.
Sounds easy? Not so much! I had no idea where to start. I enrolled in more courses, but this time I wanted to learn more about my WHY and my PURPOSE and get clarity around my VALUES!
With time, I was able to get clarity around all three aspects of my life. I found my purpose. I defined what values were important to me personally and professionally, and I finally found my why!
It all came down to one thing - I wanted to help others; I wanted to help leaders to become a strong foundation for others. I wanted to help those who wanted to take ownership of their own lives, to become leaders in their own lives.
I knew there was more to learn. More books to read so I can help others. But to be able to help others, I had to be able to help myself first. I tested it on myself firsthand. I wanted to help others find their purpose and path and to support them on their journey, the journey I was on.
I continued to work on myself, coach myself, and allow myself to be coached. I allowed myself to open up to others, ask for help, and become vulnerable. I started to coach from my heart because I didn’t want to change who I was to help others. I started to share my story with those who were interested in listening. I started to teach other leaders how to become better listeners, how to develop their vision and define their mission, and how to create and lead a strong and successful team.
My journey taught me that as a brand-new leader, I lacked clarity about what my dream team would look like or what skills I needed to develop to become the leader my team needed. I didn’t know how to develop and articulate my vision and then turn it into reality, set goals, and get the buy-ins from the employees I was managing, how to have a difficult conversation without fear of being seen as an incompetent manager.
I’m curious, are you the leader you envisioned yourself to become when you entered your leadership journey? If not, what steps or actions could you take today to rewrite your journey?
Remember, Growth starts with a commitment. Commitment leads to transformation. Transformation allows success.
