Ever find yourself at a crossroads, pondering which way to turn?

Some folks seem to have an innate sense of direction, confidently steering ahead. Others? They might need a nudge, a guiding hand, or some reassurance. And that’s totally cool. Every crew needs its followers.

But you? You’re cut from a different cloth, aren’t you? You spot pathways where others see roadblocks. You spark inspiration when doubts start to creep in.

In this piece, I’m shedding light on seven signs that you’re not just blending into the background but leading the charge. 

Whether you’re already calling the shots or still exploring your potential, let’s dig into these signs and see if they ring true for you.  

1) You’re not afraid of decision-making

Ever found yourself in a situation where everyone else seems paralyzed, unable to decide which course to take? And while they’re caught in the headlights, there you are, stepping forward, ready to make a call.

That, right there, is the first sign of a leader.

Leaders are not immune to uncertainty or doubt. They don’t have a magic crystal ball that reveals the future. What they do have is the courage to make decisions when others hesitate.

They understand that making a decision, even if it turns out to be wrong, is better than making no decision at all. Because it’s through these choices and their consequences that we learn and grow.

2) You’re not always the loudest in the room

Here’s a little secret: Leadership isn’t about being the loudest or most outspoken, contrary to popular belief. Surprise! That’s your counterintuitive nugget for today.

A true leader knows the power of silence. They understand that sometimes, the deepest insights arise from stepping back, observing, and simply listening.

If you’re someone who consistently takes a moment to hear others out, to genuinely grasp their viewpoints and needs before making a call, then you’re embodying one of the most crucial traits of effective leadership.

Ultimately, it’s not about dominating every conversation or having things your way all the time. It’s about honoring other voices, appreciating diverse perspectives, and nurturing an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

3) You know the importance of self-care

This might surprise you, but a surefire sign of a leader is someone who prioritizes self-care. It’s not all about work, work, work. It’s about balance.

You see, a leader understands that to effectively take care of others and make sound decisions, they need to first take care of themselves.

And that involves creating a healthy work-life balance, nurturing their own mental and emotional well-being, and setting boundaries.

In my own journey, I’ve explored this concept extensively and even penned it down in my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. It’s not just about romantic relationships but essentially about how we relate to others and more importantly, to ourselves.

If you’re someone who habitually takes time for self-care and understands the value of personal boundaries in maintaining your energy levels and effectiveness, you’re showing the world that you have what it takes to lead.

Remember, a tired mind can’t lead. A rested mind can conquer the world. So don’t neglect your own needs because leadership starts from within.

4) You’re a lifelong learner

Have you ever met someone who thinks they know it all? It’s not the most appealing trait, is it? On the contrary, those who are always eager to learn, to grow, and to improve themselves, they are the ones who truly stand out.

As a leader, I’ve found that my greatest learning moments often come from unexpected places and people. It’s a humbling and enriching experience that constantly reminds me of the value of lifelong learning.

Albert Einstein once said, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.” And I couldn’t agree more. The moment we think we know everything is the moment we stop growing.

So if you’re constantly seeking new knowledge, open to different perspectives, and willing to learn from your mistakes as well as successes, you’re embodying one of the key traits of a true leader.

Remember, a leader who learns is a leader who leads.

5) You inspire others

Inspiration is that magical force that propels us to reach higher, strive harder, and become our best selves. And as a leader, being able to light that fire in others? That’s a game-changer, my friend.

For me, the real joy of leadership comes from watching those around me bloom and surpass their own limits. It’s about igniting that spark in someone else and watching them soar.

You don’t need to give epic speeches or pull off grand gestures to inspire others. Sometimes, it’s the little things—your actions, your attitude, your resilience in the face of tough times—that speak volumes.

Hence, if you’re the type who quietly nudges others toward new horizons, offers a steady hand in rough waters, or simply radiates positivity wherever you go, then hats off to you!

You’re embodying one of the most powerful traits of a true leader.

6) You embrace change

Change. It’s a word that often sends a shiver down our spines. But as a leader, embracing change – not just accepting it, but actively seeking it – is a crucial part of your journey.

Throughout my life, I’ve learned that change is inevitable. Whether it’s in our personal lives, relationships, or careers, things never stay the same. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay. It’s exciting!

The legendary Steve Jobs once said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” And he was absolutely right. Leaders are visionaries who understand that change is necessary to evolve and grow.

So, if you’re someone who thrives in new situations and adapts well to changes, you’ve got the mettle of a true leader.

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7) You’re not perfect and that’s okay

Let’s cut through the fluff for a sec. Nobody’s perfect. Not even leaders. And if you’re aiming for perfection, well, you’re in for a letdown.

Being a leader doesn’t mean having all the answers or never messing up. It means being real about your imperfections.

The most effective leaders? They own their mistakes, say sorry when they need to, and aren’t afraid to ask for a hand when things get tough. They get that vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a superpower that builds trust and respect.

And here’s the kicker: People admire authenticity way more than perfection. Because let’s face it, nobody’s perfect, but being genuine? That’s where the breakthrough happens.

A look in the mirror

Our journey of self-discovery is a wild ride, full of twists, turns, and unexpected epiphanies—just like the one we’ve taken today, uncovering the signs of a born leader.

But here’s the deal: Recognizing these signs is just the beginning. The real test? It’s about nurturing these qualities, soaking up lessons from every twist and turn, and striving to level up every single day.

See, leadership isn’t just about calling the shots in boardrooms or on battlefields. It’s about staying true to yourself and forging your own path, even when it veers off the beaten track.

So, keep on embracing those leadership vibes. Keep on being true to you. Because the journey to greatness? It’s all about embracing who you are and owning it, every step of the way.

The legendary Maya Angelou once said, “A leader sees greatness in other people. He nor she can be much of a leader if all she sees is herself.” This speaks volumes about a leader’s ability to inspire others by recognizing their potential.

But here’s a little twist – What if we started by seeing greatness in ourselves?

I believe that self-reflection can be a powerful tool in this journey. And to help you along the way, I highly recommend this insightful video by Justin Brown.

It’s a transformative mirror exercise featuring five powerful questions that can enhance your self-love and improve your relationship with yourself.

Remember, leadership starts from within. So take a moment to look in the mirror and see the leader staring back at you.