The Self Aware Leader with Jason Rigby

This morning, I woke up like I often do – caught in a whirlwind of thoughts and anxieties. We all face this, especially as leaders. The pressure to have answers, to define ourselves by accomplishments... it's easy to lose our footing. But in these moments, I'm learning something profound (inspired by the spiritual teacher Luuk Moelker's From Confusion to Clarity) – the very essence of our leadership lies in recognizing what confusion truly is. Moelker teaches that our mental chaos is just that – mental. It's a storm in the mind. For me, the revelation came when I finally paused and asked myself, "Who am I, truly, beneath all this?" Suddenly, the noise fell away. A core of undeniable selfhood was there all along, needing no external justification. This is a truth every leader needs to know – confusion happens, but it is not you. Underneath the responsibilities and expectations, there's that same causeless, vibrant 'I am' within each of us. Finding that clarity isn't about guru retreats or complex psych-techniques. It's accessible here, now. Trust in your own direct experience. Sidestep the endless self-improvement, the pressure to 'become'. You already are. Causeless. Needing no justification. That is what enables true leadership. How do we put this into practice? Let the anxieties and fears do their thing. Notice them, but stay rooted in the peace of your inner being. It's like watching storm clouds pass while knowing the blue sky remains untouched. Remember, clarity is your baseline, not something earned. No need to protect or 'prove' your simple existence. This frees you from the exhausting cycle of self-definition, the subtle pressure to always be 'on'. When you crave a sense of completion or a more 'authentic' leadership style, stop. Say to yourself, with conviction, "I already am.". Let this anchor you. Then face the day's challenges not as battles against yourself, but as a chance to act from that causeless, clear place. Much like Moelker's work, my experience is simply a guidepost. It's about inviting you to know this truth for yourself. Leaders, it's time to cut through the chaos and embrace who we were meant to be. The ripple effects aren't just personal - they extend to how we lead and show up for others. Maybe create your own short mantra, inspired by Moelker. Mine is: "I return to the causeless Self." It's my compass when life gets turbulent. This isn't about ignoring problems, but understanding how we relate to them. True clarity means seeing we are not our thoughts or accomplishments. That shift has revolutionary potential for how we lead. Shouldn't we be modeling wholeness, not constant striving? Thank you, Luuk Moelker, for the reminder contained within From Confusion to Clarity.  

Hello fellow leaders, this is Jason. In today’s episode of The Self-Aware Leader, I’m taking a moment to share a more personal perspective on leadership. These aren't just abstract concepts; they're five core areas I am actively exploring in my own life. As we delve into these principles, I hope my journey resonates with you, offering both guidance and inspiration as you navigate your own path to becoming a more effective and self-aware leader. 1. Clarity: Seeking Light in the Shadows Clarity is paramount. Recently, I've been reflecting on times when I've felt stuck, questioning what steps I need to take to regain a clear vision. It’s about asking the tough questions, like, "What am I not seeing? What have I been avoiding?" For me, gaining clarity often means disconnecting from the noise—stepping back, going for long walks, or just sitting in quiet meditation to listen to what my higher self is trying to tell me. 2. Momentum: Moving Forward When It’s Hardest Momentum is something I've struggled with, especially when facing setbacks. It’s easy to feel like you're slogging through mud. I've learned that the energy it takes to get stuck is the same energy that can propel me forward. The key for me has been to redirect this energy positively—setting small, manageable goals, and using visualization techniques that create a series of wins, no matter how minor, to rebuild my momentum and get myself out of the rut. 3. Respect: Building Self-Respect and Mutual Respect I’ve been pondering what respect means in my personal and professional life. How do I respect myself? This includes setting boundaries, acknowledging my achievements, and forgiving my mistakes. Extending this respect to others is equally vital. It’s about listening actively, valuing others' contributions, and understanding their perspectives. This dual respect fosters a healthier, more supportive environment for those I lead and myself. 4. Understanding: Embracing Continuous Growth As a leader, I’ve always believed in the importance of evolution—of striving to learn and grow from every situation. This means being open to feedback, willing to confront uncomfortable truths, and eager to apply new insights. Understanding doesn't just apply to external knowledge; it's also about introspection and recognizing our own patterns and behaviors that need evolution. 5. Embodiment: Living My Values Every Day The concept of embodiment has been transformative for me. It’s about more than just understanding or agreeing with certain ideas; it's about living them out loud, every day. Whether it’s in how I conduct a meeting, manage my time, or interact with team members, I aim to reflect my values in every action I take. This alignment is what I strive for—to not only believe in integrity, honesty, and compassion but to embody these qualities in all aspects of life. Conclusion: These five principles are not just leadership strategies; they are markers on a map, guiding me through the complex terrain of leading both myself and others. Sharing this path with you is a way of honoring my commitment to not just talk the talk but walk the walk of a self-aware leader. Call to Action: I encourage you to reflect on these areas in your own leadership practice. How can you bring more clarity and momentum into your daily challenges? In what ways can you cultivate deeper respect for yourself and others? How might you commit to understanding and embodying your values more fully? Share your stories and challenges with me—let's grow and learn together in this journey of self-aware leadership. Let's make our leadership not just effective, but deeply personal and profoundly impactful.

Feeling stuck in a procrastination rut? It's a place I know well. You want to move forward with your goals, but that pesky voice of "I'll do it tomorrow" keeps you frozen, unable to actually start. Let's be honest – we all experience dips in motivation. Even the most enthusiastic leaders and dedicated employees have those days when getting fired up about work is tougher than usual. But the good news is it doesn't have to be permanent! In this podcast, I want to share some hard-earned lessons about breaking out of motivational slumps. As self-aware leaders, we need to dive into the why behind our lack of motivation so we can move past it effectively. The Drain of Demotivation Before we tackle the fixes, let's be clear about the costs of low motivation. Lacking energy to tackle your goals isn't something to just grin and bear: Productivity Takes a Nosedive: Without that spark, we drag our feet, projects lag, and output decreases. Stress Skyrockets: As deadlines loom and work piles up, our anxiety ratchets up several notches. Self-Doubt Creeps In: The relentless "What's wrong with me?" self-criticism erodes confidence and makes us feel even more paralyzed. Mental & Physical Health Suffers: Feeling down and out impacts sleep, concentration, and overall well-being. See where this is going? Low motivation isn't benign. It's important to take action when you're feeling more stuck than strategic. Conquering the Motivation Monster So what's the fix? This is where self-awareness shines! The key is to pinpoint WHY you're feeling unmotivated and tackle the root cause: Cause #1: The Overwhelm Overload If your to-do list is causing heart palpitations, here's what to do: The Art of "No": Learn to protect your time. Saying a simple "I'm over capacity right now" can make a world of difference. Distraction Elimination: Phones buzzing, people popping in? Clear the decks so your focus can return. Prioritize Like a Pro: List everything, then rank by urgency/importance. Start at the top, and forget the rest (for now!). Cause #2: Burnout Strikes Exhaustion kills motivation faster than anything. Try these strategies: Harness Your Peak Hours: Notice when your energy is high – do complex work then, and save routine tasks for the inevitable afternoon slump. Breaks Are Your Friend: Don't be a hero. Step away for a walk, coffee with a colleague, or even a 5-minute meditation. Work-Life Balance is Non-Negotiable: Avoid the 24/7 trap. Fully disconnecting after hours is crucial for long-term energy levels. Cause #3: Fear of Failure Syndrome If perfectionism and worry are keeping you stuck, consider these mind shifts: Aim for "Good Enough": Messy first drafts are better than no drafts! Remember, you can always revise later. Build Momentum with Starting Habits: Simple routines you do before diving into work prime your brain and reduce resistance. Blur Preparation and Action: Ease into tough tasks by starting with small 'prep'-related steps. Often, you'll find yourself just doing the thing! Cause #4: The Apathy Attack When you don't care about the work, finding that drive can feel impossible. Try this: Remember Your Why: Write down the real reasons you need this job, value this project, etc. Keeping those reasons visible helps. Connect for a Cause: Socializing with colleagues creates community and a sense of shared purpose. Seek New Challenges: Ask for more, propose new initiatives. Growth is a powerful motivator. You Got This – And I'm Cheering You On! Don't expect to be motivated 100% of the time. But, with practice, you'll build those mental muscles to break out of motivation ruts faster. Let's ditch the "I'll do it tomorrow" blues and make each day count! Let me know in the comments – which of these motivation drains hits you the hardest?

"Ever feel like there's some invisible block sabotaging your money goals? Today, we're going deep. We're not talking surface-level 'think rich' stuff, but the real, messy emotions most leaders hide when it comes to abundance.  My Breaking Point: I hit a wall with the whole 'manifest your millions' mindset. Turns out, I had some major unresolved baggage around money – limiting beliefs, fear, you name it. Sound familiar? Money Mirrors Your Mind: We think money is about dollars and cents, but it's a symbol of how we see ourselves, our worth, even our impact on the world. That's the work most leaders miss. The Law of Assumption Goes Deeper: It's not about willing stuff into existence, but aligning with that limitless source of creation (call it consciousness, whatever works for you). Leaders, we're used to forcing things, not flowing with them. That's why we get stuck with money. Get Ready to Squirm (It's Worth It): Uncover your 'money story' – What did you hear about money growing up? What makes you uncomfortable about wealth? Align, don't Chase: Abundance happens when what you do provides value and is in harmony with who you are. Build Wealth that Empowers: It's about serving, co-creating – that's how the flow keeps going, not by hoarding. My Takeaway: This isn't woo woo – it's about unlocking the potential we block with our own money baggage. True wealth is something you embody, not just get. Call to Action: What's your biggest hidden money belief? Have you seen it play out in how you lead? Share below, let's get real!  

What Does It Mean to Be Truly Committed? On the most recent episode of The Self Aware Leader podcast, I dove deep into the concept of commitment. We often throw that word around – I'm committed to fitness, committed to this project, committed to my personal growth. But what does true, maximum commitment really look like and feel like? To dissect this, I like to rephrase the question: "What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve a goal or uphold a value?" That hits a little harder, doesn't it? Because true commitment isn't just about the good times, the easy choices. It's about what you'll keep doing, who you'll keep being, even when it's inconvenient, difficult, and frankly...uncomfortable. Commitment in Action Let's look at some examples: Relationships: Truly committed partners don't walk away at the first sign of conflict. They stay and work through the challenges – not because it's easy, but because the value of the relationship outweighs the temporary discomfort. Health: Being committed to your health isn't about a crash diet; it's about making sustainable lifestyle changes. We're talking early mornings for workouts even when you're tired, and saying 'no' to temptations that derail your goals. Career: Maximum commitment here means going the extra mile. Putting in the late nights to perfect a project, taking on extra responsibilities to learn – the things that aren't necessarily expected but are essential for growth. Commitment Isn't Easy (But It's Worth It) True commitment will stretch your comfort zone. There will be times when you want to give up, walk away, or cut corners. That's when you ask yourself that all-important question again: is what you want on the other side of this challenge worth the sacrifice you're making now? It's important to be honest with yourself. If the answer is no, that's okay! Maybe now isn't the time, or perhaps you need to re-evaluate whether your goal is truly aligned with your values. But if that answer is a resounding "YES"... then it's time to dig in and make true commitment a part of your everyday life. How do you cultivate maximum commitment? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!  

Finding Leadership Strength in the Face of My Own Storms The weight of the world feels heavy on my shoulders lately. Deadlines pile up, personal challenges mount, and it seems like another chaotic day follows each chaotic night. In moments like these, I crave inspiration—a reminder of how to navigate the chaos and lead myself (and others) with purpose. Recently, while pondering leadership principles, I found myself revisiting the final days of Jesus Christ. I know it sounds like a heavy topic, but as I dove into it and considered John Maxwell's analysis of leadership, I realized there's incredible strength to glean from Jesus' actions under the most unimaginable pressure. His story hit me in a whole new way. Here's what struck me the most: The Power of Peace in Chaos: Jesus, facing what he knew was ahead, exuded peace. That resonates with me right now. I'm learning that holding a sense of calm in my own life's storms lets me make clearer decisions – and it sets a crucial example for those I lead. Clarity When The Path is Foggy: Even knowing what was coming, Jesus' vision and communication became sharper than ever. For me, as a leader, it's easy to get stuck in the muck of the current problems. This is a reminder that communicating my vision, especially when times are tough, is non-negotiable. Love and Belief that Doesn't Waver: His love for and belief in his followers never shook, even facing betrayal. Sometimes, self-doubt creeps in, making me question my leadership, and my ability to support others. Seeing Jesus' actions is a powerful reminder that showing genuine love and belief in my team is one of the strongest things I can do. Eyes on the Future, Feet in the Present: Jesus's future focus was intense. He painted a clear picture of what lay ahead. Life can throw plenty of hurdles, but keeping a sense of long-term direction, for myself and those I lead, helps us push through. Look, I'm the first to admit putting these lessons into practice is far from easy. Being a truly self-aware leader means I know I'll get it wrong sometimes. Impatience or fear might get the best of me. But that's why I keep coming back to examples like this. Leadership, especially when things get tough, is about constantly returning to your principles and finding strength to put them into practice. Have any of you ever turned to unconventional sources for wisdom in difficult times? Let's talk about it in the comments!

The latest episode featuring Ben Corliss, a renowned Men's Fitness Expert and the visionary behind Lifts with Wolves, serves as a testament to the podcast's commitment to exploring all facets of leadership and personal growth. Ben's approach to fitness transcends the physical, delving into the profound impact that strength training can have on mental and emotional well-being. The Journey Towards Holistic Leadership At the core of this episode is the idea that leadership is not a one-dimensional attribute confined to the boardroom; rather, it's a multi-faceted quality that encompasses every aspect of our lives, including our physical health and emotional resilience. Ben Corliss, through his innovative fitness programs, illustrates how becoming physically strong and confident can serve as a foundation for developing the other qualities essential for effective leadership. Strength Training: More Than Just Physical Fitness One of the most compelling takeaways from the conversation with Ben is the concept that strength training is not solely about achieving an aesthetically pleasing physique. It's about embarking on a journey that challenges one's limits, cultivates discipline, and builds confidence—qualities that are invaluable for any leader. Ben's programs, accessible through his website bencorliss.fitbudd.com, and his social media presence on Instagram @lifts.with.wolves, offer more than just workout routines. They provide a holistic approach to fitness that addresses the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of well-being. This comprehensive perspective on health and fitness is what sets Ben apart as a fitness expert and makes his insights incredibly relevant for anyone looking to enhance their leadership capabilities. Mental and Emotional Well-being: The Unsung Heroes of Leadership Another significant aspect of the episode is the discussion on how lifting weights can serve as a powerful tool for mental and emotional health. The discipline of regularly challenging oneself in the gym can translate into increased mental resilience and emotional stability—key components of a self-aware leader. This discussion underscores the podcast's broader message: leadership is an ever-evolving journey of self-improvement that requires attention to all aspects of one's life. Empowering Leaders of Tomorrow The Self-Aware Leader Podcast, through episodes like the one with Ben Corliss, provides listeners with actionable advice and thought-provoking discussions designed to unlock their full potential. It encourages us to look beyond traditional notions of leadership and to embrace a more holistic approach that includes physical well-being as a critical component of effective leadership. Conclusion In summary, the episode with Ben Corliss on the Self-Aware Leader Podcast serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of physical strength, mental resilience, and emotional stability in the development of effective leadership. It's a call to action for all aspiring leaders to embrace a more comprehensive approach to personal development, one that acknowledges the transformative power of integrating physical fitness into the leadership journey. Tune in to this life-changing podcast and take the first step towards becoming the exceptional leader you were destined to be.

The Dichotomy of Leadership: Embracing Complexity for Authentic Impact As leaders, we are frequently taught to be decisive and project certainty. But the world, and the people we lead, are rarely black and white. Truly impactful leadership demands embracing the contradictory, the complex, and finding power in the uncomfortable "grey spaces." Teal Swan's thought-provoking exploration of dichotomy offers a powerful lens to re-examine how we lead, and how we see ourselves. The Discomfort of "And" Our brains crave simplicity. We want easy answers, neat narratives. Witnessing good and bad traits coexisting in a person – whether it's someone we manage, a public figure, or even ourselves – creates a cognitive dissonance most of us struggle to tolerate. This leads to: Demonizing or Glorifying: Biased narratives and all-or-nothing thinking warp our understanding of those we lead, undermining balanced judgment. Splitting: We compartmentalize, seeing team members as "all good" or "all bad" (and ourselves too!). This fuels inconsistent reactions and erodes trust. Lost Opportunities: When we can't tolerate nuance, we may miss out on the growth potential held within challenges and flaws. Expanding Your Leadership Capacity: Becoming the Container Teal Swan coins the term "And Consciousness" – the ability to hold opposing truths simultaneously. For a leader, this is transformative: Beyond Judgment: By holding both good AND bad aspects of a person or situation, we lessen knee-jerk reactions and make more informed choices. Seeing the Whole: This broader perspective helps us see potential blind spots in individuals and ourselves, fostering better long-term strategies. Nurturing Growth: Understanding complexity allows space for people (including ourselves) to evolve, without feeling defined by past mistakes. How to Become a Leader Who Holds Dichotomy: Question Your Assumptions: When you find yourself categorizing someone (or yourself) as "always" or "never," pause. Seek out information that challenges your current view. Explore the Root of 'Extremes': If you're stuck seeing someone as perfect or monstrous, ask yourself: how does this belief serve me? Am I avoiding something uncomfortable? Check Your Nervous System: All-or-nothing thinking spikes when we're stressed. Practice calming techniques to access a more objective mindset. Embrace the 'In-Between': Leadership isn't just about having all the answers. Model comfort with "I'm not sure yet," and invite your team to explore the nuance alongside you. The Challenge of Authentic Leadership It's important to note: This isn't about condoning harmful behavior or ignoring red flags. But it IS about becoming a leader who understands that people are messy, teams have rough patches, and even your own best intentions sometimes have unforeseen consequences. Holding dichotomy means embracing the uncomfortable truth that great strengths can co-exist with deep flaws... even within ourselves. That's where transformative leadership begins. Further Exploration: Teal Swan's video "And Consciousness" offers more depth on this concept. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27Tl8KIj6Xg] Blog Post https://tealswan.com/resources/articles/dichotomy/ Share your thoughts! How do you approach holding seemingly contradictory aspects of your team members, yourself, or leadership situations?  

The Power of Incremental Progress: Unlocking Your Potential with the 1% Rule Have you ever looked at wildly successful leaders and wondered how they got there? It's tempting to think they possess some extraordinary talent or luck that we lack. But the truth, as revealed in Tommy Baker's book "The 1% Rule," is often far less glamorous and far more accessible. It's about the power of small, consistent improvement. The Secret? It's in the Process Baker's central premise is that if you commit to being just 1% better at your chosen field, passions, or leadership goals every single day, the compounding effect over time leads to astounding transformation. This might feel underwhelming at first. But this is where understanding the mindset of a self-aware leader helps immensely. Instead of focusing on distant, daunting targets, the 1% Rule offers a path of sustainable and attainable progress. The 1% Code for Self-Aware Leaders Baker outlines five key principles to make the 1% Rule work for you: Fall in love with the process: Self-aware leaders understand that it's not about the final destination, but about embracing the journey of constant growth and development. Find joy in the everyday tasks that contribute to your long-term vision. Do it every single day: Consistency is key. Even small actions, done daily, become powerful. Carve out time for reflection, learning, and intentional efforts to improve, no matter how busy you get. Celebrate your commitment: Self-aware leaders are kind to themselves. Recognize your effort, and use those small wins as fuel to sustain your momentum. Track your metrics and data: Knowing where you stand helps you adapt your approach. What are the key metrics indicating your leadership progress? Find ways to track them to chart your growth. Master your craft: The relentless pursuit of excellence is a self-aware leader's hallmark. Dedicate yourself to continual learning, refining your knowledge and skills within your leadership domain. Why it matters for Leadership The 1% Rule approach cultivates: Resilience: Small, daily wins build confidence in your ability to navigate even major challenges. Sustainable growth: Instead of burnout from chasing grand goals, you build long-lasting progress. Focus: The clarity of daily action keeps you from feeling overwhelmed by the big picture. Adaptability: Being a self-aware leader means continually evolving. The 1% Rule naturally keeps you in a mindset of ongoing learning. Where in your leadership could you apply the 1% Rule right now? Maybe it's dedicating 15 minutes a day to reading relevant material, or taking time to better understand a team member's perspective. Share your thoughts below! How might this micro-improvement approach transform your leadership journey? Further Exploration: For more on this concept, check out Tommy Baker's book "The 1% Rule: How to Fall in Love With The Process and Achieve Your Wildest Dreams"

It's no secret that leadership can be brutally demoralizing. Even the most passionate leaders experience those days when motivation wanes and it feels like the whole world is pushing back. But as Carey Nieuwhof rightly points out, succumbing to that discouragement is a surefire recipe for disaster. So, how do we navigate these tough seasons with resilience and emerge stronger on the other side? The Root of Discouragement Often, what brings us down isn't the challenge itself, but losing sight of our 'why'. We become entangled in the frustrating details— endless disagreements over the 'how', the feeling of carrying all the weight alone, or even emotional reactivity in the heat of the moment. That's when it's critical to step back. 6 Strategies from a Leader Who's Been There Carey Nieuwhof offers invaluable strategies for combating leadership discouragement, and I've found them to resonate deeply with my own experience as a self-aware leader: Rediscover Your 'Why': Realigning with your core purpose, the reason you stepped into leadership, can be like a jolt of adrenaline in a slump. Tap into your mission, your vision, and remember that your work matters. Embrace Emotional Intelligence: On your worst days, channel your inner emotionally intelligent leader. Recognize your emotions, but don't let them sabotage your impact. Cultivate self-regulation to ensure your team doesn't suffer along with you. Celebrate Small Wins: Not every victory will be a headline-grabbing change. Find small, achievable tasks to give you that immediate sense of accomplishment. It fuels your spirit for those long-term, complex goals. Reach Out to Your Inner Circle: Don't underestimate the power of connection! Having a trusted confidant – someone who understands but isn't part of your daily work – can provide invaluable perspective and keep loneliness at bay. The Power of Rest: Exhaustion breeds discouragement. Prioritize sleep – a full night or a strategic nap – to recharge your optimism and decision-making abilities. Don't Give Up at the Brink: It might feel tempting to walk away just when things are the darkest. But remember, breakthroughs often happen just beyond that point. Weather the storm, trust your resilience, and don't be afraid to seek out support when you need it. Self-Awareness is Your Superpower Cultivating awareness of your triggers, your emotional responses, and your core motivations is essential to prevent discouragement from taking over. A self-aware leader can recognize these moments and apply the best strategies to reset and re-energize. Share Your Victories Have you overcome discouragement in your own leadership? What tools and practices have been vital for you?  Let's remind each other that we're not alone in this journey! Inspiration: For more wisdom on this topic, head to Carey Nieuwhof's original post: https://careynieuwhof.com/7-ways-to-beat-discouragement-in-leadership/