The Art of Self-Management

It is a vital framework for personal and professional growth. But too often, we as leaders overlook and misunderstand the crucial concept of self-management.

Self-management is the intentional practice of managing our behaviors, thoughts and emotions from a place of response, not reaction. It’s closely linked to our own emotional intelligence as leaders.

Self-management focuses on the key responsibilities in our lives and examines our habits to prioritize what’s truly most important. It is about the well-being, growth and performance of ourselves and our organizations.

It’s crucial to remember that caring for and managing ourself is not being self-indulgent. The reality is it is actually self-preservation and a holistic strategy to increase our resilience and to avoid burnout.

We must give ourselves grace daily in realizing that the self we know at this moment is evolving. Authentic change starts within. If we attempt to shortcut and skip this inward process of self-exploration and self-discovery, we will feel the negative effects in our individual and collective attitudes, behaviors and performance. 

Realize earnestly and wisely that it is okay to not know your precise identity as a leader. Life is about unpacking the most difficult question of “Who am I?” and being at peace with the discoveries. This question ultimately becomes our north star and the guiding compass of our own self-management. 

As we think about this new day and the weeks and months ahead, let’s not lose sight of the fact we have the unique opportunity to invest time and energy into our self-skills. 

Here are 12 self skills that we can begin nurturing and becoming more mindful of in our quest to champion change and leave a legacy that stretches far beyond ourselves.

• Self-Love & Self-Care

• Self-Worth & Self-Image

• Self-Talk & Self-Awareness

• Self-Examination & Self-Doubt

• Self-Leadership & Self-Respect

• Self-Discipline & Self-Education

Acknowledging the need for improvement and life-long learning is our starting point and a critical first step.

The journey toward self-mastery is a marathon, not a sprint, that will challenge us to the depths of who we are and make us uncomfortable at times.

As we begin to acknowledge, reimagine and dismantle our self-limiting beliefs around perfection, we allow for a more honest version of who we are to emerge unapologetically with authenticity and grace.