Upleveling as a Leader

It seems that we go through various cycles in our life of mastering something and then starting over as the student.

When we start a new job, even if it's with the same company or group of people, or transition from the corporate world and into our own business, there are new responsibilities, processes, and systems for us to learn.

Each time we try something new, we are breaking out of our comfort zones.

Sometimes it's not a matter of trying something new, but rather breaking a system that made sense at one time and now no longer serves us.

At that point, we have a choice – we can choose to view change as positive growth instead of negative or scary.

We can choose to stay where we are or to rise to the next level and allow ourselves to be the student once more. It’s easy to stay where we are because it’s comfortable and known.

Because moving to the next level requires more from us.

So, what can you do to better prepare for the next level?

The first step is to become aware of what is keeping you at the current level.

Is it being comfortable where you are or thinking you’re not ready for more?

Is it fear of all the things that could go wrong because you don’t know what you don’t know?

Could it be that breaking away from what’s no longer serving you and making room for something better is scary and motivating all at once?

As a leader, the more you can recognize what’s working and what needs to change and then embrace the change needed to grow, the more confident you will be. Trust that you have what it takes to elevate your organization or business, even if you have doubts on “how” it will happen.