Get Out of Your Way and Become a Leader

 

Theodore Roosevelt said it best when he shared that "People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader leads, and the boss drives." (Find the link here). Leadership is a crucial aspect of everyday life that can make or break personal success on different scales. When I think of leadership, my mind automatically wanders to the Theodore Roosevelt Honor Leadership Program at Dickinson State University. This is a program that I have been fortunate enough to become a part of over the last few months. It has forced me into a leadership role, allowing me to help others in ways that I never could have imagined. A few of the TRHLP Scholars (including myself) are pictured above below Mount Rushmore and Theodore Roosevelt. This picture was taken at the beginning of the fall semester before I was chosen to be a Student Assistant Director at the program. Being a leader, especially younger than most people I am working with, can be difficult in many instances. Nevertheless, being a leader does not have an age requirement. From a toddler showing others how to color to a grandfather sharing his knowledge of mechanics with his grandson, leadership is always present. One of the most common issues that people run into is that they think there is a limit to being a leader. Humans are generally hardwired to think that others are automatically better and more powerful than they are. People look down on themselves when working in classes, in groups at work, and even with people older than them. Because of this many people don’t speak up and share their ideas, which does not benefit them in their academic or professional lives. So, why is this a common idea that not everyone can be a leader? And why is following first nature and leading second? Take charge of your own life and become your own leader. If you are going to follow anyone, let it be yourself. Being a leader does not mean that you must own a world-renowned business or be a player on a professional team. While yes, these things could make you a leader, there are many ways that one can become a leader day-to-day. You can help younger students with homework at your school. You could volunteer for an organization that helps find donors for a charity. You could even show your children how to cook a meal at home. Being a leader does not mean you have to do the most extravagant acts to prove to others your worth. Being a leader means standing up for what you believe in. It means doing what is right when no one is around to see. Leaders are those who want to make something of themselves and take people along with them if they can. Leaders seek personal growth through their dedication and hard work to a task. So, tell me... what is stopping you from becoming a leader in your own life? Are you scared to take a leap? The worst that could happen is you end up back where you are. So, get out of your way and become the leader you were meant to be!