Monthly Best Praxis for…
Before you can nurture strong relationships with others, you need to nurture a strong relationship with yourself.
Kicking off 2025 with a fresh mindset means looking inward. Leadership doesn’t start with managing others—it starts with self-awareness. The way we engage with ourselves influences how we engage with those around us. This month, we focused on the foundational elements of self-leadership: observing our behavior, challenging our limiting beliefs, tracking progress, and investing in our own growth.
How well do you know yourself? How intentional are you about nurturing your inner leadership?
Observing Yourself Without Judgment
One of the most valuable practices in self-leadership is the ability to recognize patterns in our own behavior. Instead of reacting impulsively or self-criticizing, take a step back and observe. What triggers you? What energizes you? What patterns repeat themselves in your decision-making?
For example, I noticed that every January, it takes me longer than expected to get back into the flow after the holidays. Instead of beating myself up about it, I’ve built a process improvement around it—next year, I’ll prepare content in advance so I can give myself the space I need to reset without feeling behind. This small adjustment isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about knowing myself and structuring my workflow to set myself up for success.
What behaviors or patterns have you noticed in yourself that might help you refine your own leadership approach?
Challenging Limiting Beliefs
Leadership is as much about mindset as it is about skill. The beliefs we carry about ourselves shape our leadership style. I’ve been reflecting on the power of affirmations, thanks to insights from my colleague, Dr. Leena Susan Guptha. Our inner dialogue can either support or undermine our success.
I realized that I was unintentionally lowering my own expectations by calling my goals “ambitious” as if they were almost unattainable. But my goals aren’t ambitious—I am ambitious, and I am capable of achieving them. That small but critical shift in language reframed the way I approach challenges.
How often do you check the stories you’re telling yourself? Are they holding you back or propelling you forward?
Tracking Progress and Celebrating Wins
One of the most overlooked leadership practices is tracking progress—not just major milestones, but the small, everyday wins. Self-leadership requires taking stock of how far you’ve come, where you are now, and what you need to do next.
If you’re not already tracking your progress, now is the time to start. Open something you’ll actually maintain—whether it’s a document, spreadsheet, whiteboard, notebook, or digital tool—and start recording your achievements, big and small. This practice will help you:
Recognize patterns in your work habits
Identify what’s working and what’s not
Stay motivated by seeing tangible progress
Leadership growth is not a one-time event—it’s a continuous, iterative process. The more aware you are of your journey, the more strategic you can be in shaping your next steps.
Investing in Your Leadership Growth
A strong relationship with yourself isn’t just about reflection—it’s about action. What’s your plan for leadership development this year? How are you actively working on expanding your skills, deepening your self-awareness, and refining your leadership approach?
As our companies and markets evolve, so must we. Investing in leadership development—whether through formal programs, mentorship, or personal learning—ensures that we stay adaptable, strategic, and impactful.
Your Call to Action
This month’s theme is an invitation: Take the time to deepen your understanding of yourself. Observe your patterns. Challenge your limiting beliefs. Track your progress. And, most importantly, be intentional about your own leadership development.
So, how will you nurture a stronger relationship with yourself this year? What practices will you implement to deepen your self-awareness and, in turn, strengthen your leadership?
Let’s continue the conversation. Connect with us and explore more leadership insights at Talent Praxis.
About Talent Praxis
Cultivating Leadership Impact
We partner with organizations to design custom leadership development programs that integrate executive coaching, assessments, and training, delivering measurable results and elevating leadership effectiveness.
Why custom leadership development programs?
Leaders define the direction and culture of an organization. Leadership development programs result in:
Increased Productivity and Performance
Higher Employee Engagement and Retention
Improved Financial Performance
As your company and market evolve, so must your leadership. Our custom leadership development programs are designed to meet your organization’s unique needs, empowering leaders with the skills to drive engagement, foster success, and deliver measurable results.
