The Self Aware Leader with Jason Rigby

Are you tired of setting ambitious goals at the beginning of each year only to find yourself falling short? If so, it's time to consider a new approach to goal-setting and productivity. In their groundbreaking book, "The 12 Week Year," authors Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington introduce a revolutionary system that can help you achieve more in 12 weeks than most people do in an entire year. In this blog post, we'll explore the key concepts of "The 12 Week Year" and how it can transform your personal and professional life. The 12 Week Year: A Game-Changing System "The 12 Week Year" is centered around the idea that annual goal-setting is ineffective because it leads to procrastination, lack of focus, and reduced urgency. Instead, the authors propose breaking down your goals into 12-week periods, allowing you to maintain focus, accelerate progress, and achieve more. Vision and Planning A successful 12-week year begins with a clear vision of what you want to achieve. This vision should be inspiring, realistic, and align with your values. Once you have a vision, it's time to create a strategic plan with specific, measurable, and time-bound goals. Break your goals into smaller tasks and prioritize them according to their impact and urgency. Weekly and Daily Execution With your plan in place, the next step is to execute it efficiently. Each week, review your goals and set aside dedicated time to work on high-impact tasks. Break your week into manageable chunks and assign specific tasks to each day. This will help you maintain focus and stay on track. Scorekeeping and Accountability To ensure you stay committed to your goals, establish a system to measure your progress. Keep track of your accomplishments and setbacks, and use this information to adjust your plan as needed. Hold yourself accountable for your actions, and seek support from a trusted mentor, coach, or accountability partner. Time Mastery Time management is crucial for success in the 12-week year system. Learn to prioritize tasks, eliminate distractions, and allocate time effectively to achieve your goals. Make the most of your productive hours and respect your work-life balance. Continuous Improvement The 12-week year system is about constant growth and learning. Reflect on your achievements and setbacks, and use this insight to inform your future plans. Embrace a growth mindset, and don't be afraid to adapt and pivot when necessary. Conclusion: "The 12 Week Year" is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to maximize their productivity and achieve their goals. By breaking your year into 12-week cycles, you can maintain focus, increase urgency, and ultimately, unlock your full potential. Implement the concepts discussed in this blog post, and experience the transformative power of "The 12 Week Year" for yourself. Are you tired of setting ambitious goals at the beginning of each year only to find yourself falling short? If so, it's time to consider a new approach to goal-setting and productivity. In their groundbreaking book, "The 12 Week Year," authors Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington introduce a revolutionary system that can help you achieve more in 12 weeks than most people do in an entire year. In this blog post, we'll explore the key concepts of "The 12 Week Year" and how it can transform your personal and professional life. The 12 Week Year: A Game-Changing System "The 12 Week Year" is centered around the idea that annual goal-setting is ineffective because it leads to procrastination, lack of focus, and reduced urgency. Instead, the authors propose breaking down your goals into 12-week periods, allowing you to maintain focus, accelerate progress, and achieve more. Vision and Planning A successful 12-week year begins with a clear vision of what you want to achieve. This vision should be inspiring, realistic, and align with your values. Once you have a vision, it's time to create a strategic plan with specific, measurable, and time-bound goals. Break your goals into smaller tasks and prioritize them according to their impact and urgency. Weekly and Daily Execution With your plan in place, the next step is to execute it efficiently. Each week, review your goals and set aside dedicated time to work on high-impact tasks. Break your week into manageable chunks and assign specific tasks to each day. This will help you maintain focus and stay on track. Scorekeeping and Accountability To ensure you stay committed to your goals, establish a system to measure your progress. Keep track of your accomplishments and setbacks, and use this information to adjust your plan as needed. Hold yourself accountable for your actions, and seek support from a trusted mentor, coach, or accountability partner. Time Mastery Time management is crucial for success in the 12-week year system. Learn to prioritize tasks, eliminate distractions, and allocate time effectively to achieve your goals. Make the most of your productive hours and respect your work-life balance. Continuous Improvement The 12-week year system is about constant growth and learning. Reflect on your achievements and setbacks, and use this insight to inform your future plans. Embrace a growth mindset, and don't be afraid to adapt and pivot when necessary. Conclusion: "The 12 Week Year" is an invaluable tool for anyone looking to maximize their productivity and achieve their goals. By breaking your year into 12-week cycles, you can maintain focus, increase urgency, and ultimately, unlock your full potential. Implement the concepts discussed in this blog post, and experience the transformative power of "The 12 Week Year" for yourself. Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

Disappointment is a part of life. We all experience it at some point, whether it's from not getting a job we wanted, failing a test, or having a relationship end. While it can be tough to deal with, it's important to remember that disappointment is not the end of the world. There are ways to get over it and move on. Here are five tips for getting over disappointment: Allow yourself to feel your emotions. It's important to allow yourself to feel your emotions when you're disappointed. Don't try to bottle them up or pretend they're not there. It's okay to be sad, angry, or frustrated. Just let yourself feel whatever you're feeling and don't judge yourself for it. Talk to someone you trust. Talking to someone you trust can help you process your disappointment and feel better. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else who you feel comfortable talking to. Talking about what happened can help you make sense of it and start to move on. Take some time for yourself. After you've had some time to process your disappointment, it's important to take some time for yourself. Do something that you enjoy and that makes you happy. This could be reading, watching a movie, going for a walk, or spending time with loved ones. Taking some time for yourself will help you relax and recharge. Learn from your experience. Every experience, even the negative ones, can be a learning opportunity. Take some time to reflect on what happened and what you could have done differently. This will help you avoid making the same mistake in the future. Move on. Once you've had some time to process your disappointment and learn from it, it's time to move on. Don't dwell on the past. Focus on the present and the future. There are plenty of other things to be happy about. Disappointment is a normal part of life. It's how we deal with it that matters. By following these tips, you can get over disappointment and move on with your life. In addition to these tips, there are a few other things you can do to help yourself get over disappointment: Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and understand that everyone experiences disappointment from time to time. Don't beat yourself up about it. Focus on the positive. Make a list of all the good things in your life and focus on those when you're feeling down. Set realistic expectations. If you set yourself up for disappointment by expecting too much, you're more likely to feel let down when things don't go your way. Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone is different and has their own unique path in life. Don't compare yourself to others and focus on your own journey. Remember, disappointment is a temporary feeling. It will pass and you will get through it. Just take things one day at a time and be kind to yourself. Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

In today's ever-changing world, it is more important than ever for businesses to be agile and adaptable. One way to achieve this is to adopt a culture and practice of Kaizen. Kaizen is a Japanese term that means "continuous improvement." It is a philosophy that focuses on making small, incremental changes that can lead to big results. There are many benefits to adopting a culture of Kaizen. For one, it can help businesses to improve their efficiency and productivity. By constantly looking for ways to improve processes, businesses can save time and money. Additionally, Kaizen can help businesses to improve their quality control. By identifying and fixing problems early on, businesses can avoid costly mistakes. Perhaps the biggest benefit of Kaizen is that it can help businesses to create a culture of continuous learning and improvement. When employees are encouraged to think critically and come up with new ideas, it can lead to a more innovative and dynamic workplace. If you are thinking about adopting a culture of Kaizen in your business, there are a few things you can do to get started. First, you need to create a vision for what you want to achieve. What are your goals for the business? Once you have a clear vision, you can start to identify areas where you can make improvements. Next, you need to communicate your vision to your employees. Explain to them why Kaizen is important and how it can benefit the business. Once your employees understand the vision, they will be more likely to get on board with the program. Finally, you need to provide your employees with the tools and resources they need to make improvements. This may include training, resources, or even just the time to experiment. If you are willing to put in the effort, adopting a culture of Kaizen can be a great way to improve your business. By making small, incremental changes, you can achieve big results. Here are some additional tips for adopting a culture of Kaizen: Start small. Don't try to change everything overnight. Start with one or two areas where you can make a quick and easy improvement. Make it visible. When employees see that you are committed to Kaizen, they will be more likely to get on board. Share your successes and failures with the team. Celebrate successes. When the team achieves a goal, make sure to celebrate! This will help to keep everyone motivated. Make it fun. Kaizen should not be a chore. Find ways to make it fun and engaging for the team. By following these tips, you can create a culture of Kaizen in your business that will lead to continuous improvement. Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

Welcome back to the Self-Aware Leader podcast! In today's episode, we're diving deep into the art of embracing solitude for personal growth. Often, loneliness and isolation are seen as negative experiences, but by shifting our perspective, we can turn these moments into opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Loneliness vs. Solitude Loneliness and solitude are often used interchangeably, but they carry distinct meanings. Loneliness is the feeling of sadness or distress resulting from a lack of companionship, while solitude refers to the state of being alone without necessarily feeling lonely. By reframing our understanding of these terms, we can begin to appreciate the benefits of solitude. The Power of Solitude When we consciously choose to embrace solitude, it can become a powerful tool for personal development. Here are some of the ways solitude can positively impact our lives: Self-Reflection: Spending time alone allows us to delve into our thoughts and emotions, leading to a deeper understanding of ourselves. This self-awareness can ultimately lead to personal growth and emotional intelligence. Creativity: Solitude provides the perfect environment for exploring our creative potential. Without distractions, we can focus on our passions and ideas, allowing for the birth of innovative concepts and projects. Problem-Solving: Time spent in solitude can help us gain clarity on the issues we face, making it easier to brainstorm solutions and develop new perspectives. Recharging: In our busy lives, solitude can serve as a sanctuary for mental and emotional recharging, allowing us to return to our daily routines with renewed energy and focus. Building Resilience: Embracing solitude can teach us to rely on ourselves for emotional support and validation, fostering resilience and independence. Tips for Embracing Solitude for Personal Growth Schedule Alone Time: Set aside a specific time each day or week to be alone, whether it's through meditation, walks in nature, or journaling. This dedicated time can help you form a positive relationship with solitude. Disconnect: Turn off electronic devices or social media to minimize distractions and truly immerse yourself in your solitude. Set Goals: Use your time alone to identify personal goals and create an action plan for achieving them. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, to enhance self-awareness and focus during solitude. Embrace the Discomfort: Accept and acknowledge any feelings of loneliness or discomfort that may arise during solitude. Remember that personal growth often involves facing discomfort head-on. Conclusion Embracing solitude can be a transformative experience, opening the door to personal growth and self-discovery. By learning to appreciate and utilize our time alone, we can develop resilience, boost creativity, and foster a deeper understanding of ourselves. So the next time you find yourself alone, seize the opportunity to turn loneliness into a powerful catalyst for personal growth. Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

Age differences can sometimes be a challenge in the workplace, especially when you find yourself in a leadership position over people who are older than you. While this might seem intimidating, it's essential to remember that effective leadership transcends age. In this blog post, we'll explore tips and strategies for leading people older than you, building strong relationships, and fostering a collaborative work environment. Recognize and Respect Experience Older team members often bring valuable experience and insights to the table. Recognize and respect their expertise, and make an effort to learn from their wisdom. Show genuine interest in their perspectives, and involve them in decision-making processes. Emphasize Collaboration and Open Communication Create a work environment that encourages open communication and collaboration. Encourage team members to share their ideas and opinions, and make sure everyone's voice is heard. By fostering a collaborative atmosphere, you can demonstrate that age is just a number, and what truly matters is the ability to work together effectively. Be Confident and Assertive As a leader, it's important to be confident and assertive in your role. While it may be challenging to assert your authority when leading people older than you, remember that you were chosen for this position for a reason. Stand firm in your decisions, but also be open to feedback and willing to adjust when necessary. Focus on Building Relationships Building strong relationships with your team members is crucial, regardless of their age. Make an effort to connect with them on a personal level, and show genuine interest in their lives outside of work. By creating these bonds, you'll establish a foundation of trust and mutual respect. Offer Support and Encouragement As a leader, your role is to guide, support, and encourage your team members. Be available to provide assistance when needed, and offer constructive feedback to help them grow professionally. Recognize and celebrate their achievements, and make sure they feel valued and appreciated. Be a Lifelong Learner Embrace the opportunity to learn from your older team members. Approach your leadership role with humility and a growth mindset, recognizing that you, too, can continue to develop your skills and knowledge. This attitude will not only benefit you but also set a positive example for your team. Adapt Your Leadership Style Different people respond to different leadership styles, so be willing to adapt your approach as needed. While some team members may appreciate a more directive style, others might thrive under a coaching or mentoring approach. Remain flexible, and adjust your leadership style to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual. Conclusion: Leading people older than you can be a rewarding and enriching experience. By focusing on collaboration, communication, and relationship-building, you can overcome age-related challenges and foster a productive and harmonious work environment. Remember, effective leadership is about empowering and inspiring others, regardless of their age. Embrace the opportunity to learn from your team members and grow together as you work towards shared goals.

In this episode, we explore the importance of distinguishing between reactive and reflective states of mind. Reactivity is often driven by fear, panic, stress, and anxiety, and it can be an indicator of a lack of trust in oneself and the business built. On the other hand, being reflective allows for the necessary space to think, evaluate options, and find solutions. We discuss how it's easy to slip into a reactive state when facing problems, emphasizing the need to pause, calm down, and assess the situation. Trusting in your business to provide stability and support is essential. Breathe deeply and ask yourself, "What is the worst thing that could happen?" Take control of what's within your power and give yourself some space to distance from the issue. We introduce the concept of fear-setting, a powerful exercise that helps conquer fears by defining and assessing them on a scale of 1 to 10. This exercise can reveal that some fears might not be as significant as initially thought, allowing you to address them more reflectively and proactively. As a leader, operating from a reflective state is crucial. Taking time to assess and reflect on situations enables finding the best possible solutions. It's vital to recognize when you're in a reactive state and take the necessary steps to disengage and evaluate the situation. Trust in yourself and the business you've built, and strive to operate from a reflective state. Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

As a leader, it's crucial to surround yourself with the right people. You may think that you're strong enough to avoid adopting the worst of others, but the truth is that we unconsciously become what we're near. If you're surrounded by negativity, sooner or later, you'll become negative too. That's why few things are more important in life than avoiding the wrong people. The Impact of Our Surroundings One of the most significant factors that impact our behavior is the people we spend time with. Whether it's your colleagues, employees, friends, or family members, the people around us have a profound influence on our lives. Their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors can rub off on us, whether we realize it or not. For example, if you work for a toxic boss, you may start to develop toxic behaviors yourself. You may become short-tempered, irritable, and critical of others. Similarly, if you hang around with people who are lazy and unmotivated, you may start to adopt their negative attitude towards work and life. It's not just negative behaviors that we pick up from others; we can also learn positive behaviors too. When you're surrounded by people who are ambitious, hard-working, and positive, you'll likely pick up those traits too. You'll be inspired to work harder, take risks, and push yourself to be the best version of yourself. How to Avoid the Wrong People and Surround Yourself with the Right Ones Identify the wrong people: The first step is to identify the people who have a negative impact on your life. This may include colleagues, friends, or even family members. Minimize your exposure: Once you've identified the wrong people, try to minimize your exposure to them. This may mean avoiding them altogether or limiting your interactions with them. Surround yourself with the right people: Instead, focus on spending time with people who have a positive influence on your life. Seek out colleagues, friends, and mentors who inspire you and bring out the best in you. Be selective: When hiring employees or choosing business partners, be selective. Look for people who share your values and have a positive attitude towards work and life. Conclusion In conclusion, as a leader, it's crucial to surround yourself with the right people. The people around us have a profound influence on our lives, and it's up to us to choose who we spend our time with. Avoid the wrong people and surround yourself with positive, ambitious, and inspiring individuals. Remember, the changes are too gradual to notice until they're too large to address, so choose wisely. Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

Have you ever found yourself constantly searching for something to fill an empty hole in your heart or chest? Do you turn to exercise, new purchases, or even relationships to try and find happiness, only to be left feeling empty again? If so, it's time to stop running away from your unresolved issues and learn to love yourself. In this blog post, inspired by a recent podcast, we'll explore the importance of self-love and how to cultivate it in your life. Understanding True Self-Love True self-love means accepting and embracing everything you feel and experience inside. Using external things to escape from your own experience is a temporary fix that will never provide lasting happiness. Emotions like sadness and emptiness may be uncomfortable, but the more you resist them, the more they will clamor for your attention. Learning to love yourself means turning towards those difficult emotions, just as you would comfort a small child who feels upset. While exercise is important for physical health, it cannot provide total well-being. That sense of emptiness or sadness within your heart or chest cannot be filled by external things. The Journey Within It's time to shift your focus from chasing happiness on the outside to filling the hole in your heart from within. This requires identifying and resolving difficult emotions you may have been pushing away for years and changing negative beliefs into positive ones. Here are a few steps to help you on your journey: Acknowledge your feelings: Recognize and validate your emotions, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. Remember, it's okay to feel sad, angry, or empty. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would a close friend who is struggling. Challenge negative self-talk: Identify and reframe negative beliefs about yourself with positive affirmations and self-encouragement. Cultivate gratitude: Focus on the things you appreciate about yourself and your life. This can help shift your perspective and create a more positive mindset. Set boundaries: Learn to say no to people and situations that drain your energy or undermine your self-love. Seek professional help: If you're struggling to navigate your emotions and find self-love, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. Conclusion Don't be like the rich and famous who seem to have everything but are unhappy. Stop sabotaging your own happiness by turning to external things to fill a void that only self-love can truly address. Embracing self-love is a journey that takes time and effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. As you learn to accept and love yourself unconditionally, you'll find that the hole in your heart begins to fill, and lasting happiness becomes attainable. So, take the first step today and start nurturing the most important relationship of all – the one with yourself. Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

Leadership encompasses various skills, and one of the most crucial yet often overlooked traits is the ability to listen actively. Active listening involves giving your full attention to the speaker, avoiding distractions, and showing genuine interest in their thoughts and ideas. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of active listening in leadership, providing tips, examples, and benefits. Why Active Listening Matters for Effective Leadership: Active listening is an essential skill for effective leadership, as it helps leaders create a supportive and collaborative environment where team members feel valued and encouraged to contribute their best ideas. When leaders prioritize listening over talking, they can gain valuable insights, build trust, and improve communication, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving. Practical Tips for Improving Your Active Listening Skills: If you want to improve your active listening skills as a leader, here are some practical tips: Be present: Focus on the speaker and avoid distractions, such as checking your phone or email. Be patient: Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts before responding or asking questions. Ask open-ended questions: Encourage elaboration and deeper insights by asking questions that prompt further discussion. Reflect and paraphrase: Show that you understand and value the speaker's perspective by summarizing their key points and asking for clarification if needed. Avoid interrupting: Allow the speaker to express themselves fully before interjecting or sharing your thoughts. Examples of Active Listening in Leadership: Here are some examples of active listening in leadership: Mahatma Gandhi used active listening to understand his followers' needs and concerns, inspiring them to join his movement for social change. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasizes the importance of active listening in building a culture of empathy, curiosity, and growth mindset. A study by Google found that the best-performing teams have leaders who listen actively, showing empathy and respect for team members' opinions and ideas. Benefits of Active Listening for Leaders and Organizations: Here are some benefits of active listening for leaders and organizations: Improved communication and collaboration Enhanced problem-solving and decision-making Increased trust and respect Higher employee engagement and motivation Reduced conflicts and misunderstandings Conclusion: Active listening is a crucial skill for effective leadership, as it helps leaders create a culture of collaboration, innovation, and respect. By following the practical tips and examples provided in this blog post, aspiring leaders can improve their active listening skills and create a positive impact on their teams and organizations. Remember, good leadership begins with genuine listening. Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.

Are you a manager struggling to have a tough conversation with a disgruntled employee? Navigating difficult conversations with team members who are unhappy or frustrated can be a daunting task. However, with a bit of planning and preparation, you can turn these conversations into productive opportunities for growth and development. In this article, we'll explore how to master the art of conversation and give you easy steps to improve your conversation skills to have conversations that matter. Great leaders have demonstrated the importance of engaging in direct, honest conversations when challenges arise. For example, during the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the importance of open dialogue to bridge gaps and build understanding. Similarly, Abraham Lincoln, known for his exceptional leadership skills, often held private meetings to address conflicts and frustrations within his administration. Here are some easy steps to improve your conversation skills and manage difficult conversations: Schedule a one-on-one meeting: Schedule the meeting a few hours to one business day in advance to avoid causing unnecessary anxiety. Set a meeting agenda: Provide a clear agenda to ease nerves and help both parties prepare for the conversation. Enter the conversation with an open mind: Avoid making assumptions and strive to understand the employee's perspective. Figure out why your employee is frustrated: Ask open-ended questions and empathize with their concerns. Acknowledge what they share with you: Let the employee know that you've heard and understood their perspective. Focus on performance, not personality: Ground the conversation in objective measures of performance. Give constructive, direct feedback: Be honest, direct, and kind when delivering negative feedback. Get to know their career goals: Understand employee ambitions to better support their growth and development. Take meeting notes throughout: Keep a clear record of the conversation to track progress and follow up on action items. Close out with a conversation recap: Summarize key talking points and align on next steps. Remember, even the most experienced leaders must navigate difficult conversations. The key to success is adopting the right mindset and treating employees with respect. By following these tips, you can master the art of conversation and transform challenging conversations into opportunities for growth and mutual understanding. In conclusion, mastering the art of conversation can help you become a better leader and improve your communication skills. If you are struggling with tough conversations, try these easy steps to manage them successfully. Remember to respect your team members and treat them with kindness and empathy. By doing so, you can create an environment that fosters growth and development for everyone. Give your support to the Self Aware Leader Podcast by rating us on Apple Podcasts or awarding us a 5-star review on Spotify. Stay connected and join our growing community by following us on Instagram at @selfawareleaderpodcast and on Twitter at @selfawarepod. Your engagement helps us continue delivering thought-provoking content and inspiring stories for leaders like you.